Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya is considered auspicious by Hindus and Jains in many regions of India and Nepal for new ventures, marriages, costly investments such as gold or other property, and any new beginnings. It is also a day to remember loved ones who have passed away. The day is regionally significant for women, married or unmarried, who pray for the well-being of the men in their lives or to whom they may become engaged in the future. After the prayer, they distribute sprouted gram (sprouts), fresh fruits, and Indian sweets. If Akshaya Tritiya falls on a Monday (Rohini), the festival is considered even more auspicious. Fasting, charity and helping others are another festive practice on this day. In Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta Adhyay 16 Shlok 23-24, the giver of the knowledge of Geeta has given instructions and clearly said that the devotees who do any other sadhna other than the rituals described in the scriptures, they neither get happiness nor they get success. Neither do they attain salvation, that means it is a futile worship. Sadhak should give up all those activities which are not mentioned in Gita and Vedas i.e. God given scriptures.

Akshaya Tritiya is considered by Hindus as the birthday of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is worshiped in Vaishnava temples. Those who celebrate it in honor of Parashurama sometimes refer to the festival as Parashurama Jayanti. Alternatively, some focus their reverence on Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu.

According to a legend, sage Vyasa began reciting the Hindu epic Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha on Akshaya Tritiya. Another legend says that on this day the river Ganga descended on the earth. The Yamunotri Temple and the Gangotri Temple are opened during the Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya after being closed during the winters full of heavy snowfall in the Himalayan regions. Temples are opened on the Abhijeet Muhurta of Akshaya Tritiya.

The doors of Yamunotri Temple and Gangotri Temple are opened on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

Another event associated with the day is the visit of Sudama to his childhood friend, Krishna, to Dwaraka, when he was blessed with unlimited wealth. Kuber is believed to have appointed the god of wealth on this auspicious day.