Tamil Nadu   

Good deeds and best fortune

Akshaya Tritiya, the day dedicated for good deeds and the best fortune, is considered to be one of the most auspicious days of the Vedic Calendar. On this day, the sun and the moon are simultaneously at their peak of brightness.

Each year, this day is anticipated with enthusiasm, as the most auspicious day to bring Goddess Lakshmi home.

The word Akshaya, a Sanskrit word, literally means one that never diminishes, and the day is believed to bring good luck and success. This day is considered auspicious for buying assets like gold and silver, diamond and other precious stones; and the real estate. The legend states that any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya shall continue to grow and bring prosperity. Hence, it is normal to see many of the new ventures, like starting a business, ground breaking for construction etc on Akshaya Tritiya.

Akshaya Tritiya is not auspicious only for ‘buying’ but for ‘giving’ too. People believe that it is on Akshaya Tritiya that our good deeds are rewarded manifold. Many people make donations, give alms and guru dakshina on this day in the hope of earning punya (merit) for life. According to the Dharamashastras, this day is considered sacred for Vishnu Puja and for donating certain items, such as umbrellas, fans or sandals to the Brahmins.

This day is also considered most auspicious for conducting weddings. Maximum number of marriages takes place each year on this day.

There are many incidents in the Hindu Mythology that relates to the auspiciousness of this day.

According to Mahabharata, when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna gave Draupadi a bowl called the Akshaya Pathram. The word Akshaya means that which never diminishes and this bowl is said to have given infinite food to the Pandavas. Just by turning it upwards a day, the pot will provide unlimited amounts of food for the satisfaction of the Lords. Valuables that are acquired on this day are said to be replenished endlessly.

This day is also celebrated as the birthday of Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of lord Vishnu. Parshuram is considered to be the personification of valour and of devotion. His father’s name was Jamadagni, and his mother’s Renuka. Jamadagni was very hot-tempered and Parshuram inherited this quality from him. One day, Jamadagni got angry with his wife Renuka and commanded Parshuram to kill her. Parshuram, in obedience to his father’s command, killed his mother. Jamadagni was satisfied and told his son to ask him whatever he wanted. Parshuram asked that this mother be brought back to life. Thus Renuka became alive again. In this way Parshuram proved his devotion to his father and mother. His icon is depicted with an axe, to show him in a heroic pose.

It was also on this day that the Pandavas unearthed weapons that decided their victory over the Gouravas. Also Veda Vyasa, along with Lord Ganesha, started writing the Mahabharata on Akshaya Tritiya. Mother Ganges also descended to earth on this day.

According to the Puranas, this day marks the beginning of the Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga.

Nanthini Dominique

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