Akshaya Trithiya – 7^th May 2019

What is Akshaya Trithiya

Akshaya Tritiya is a one day event celebrated in late April or early May. Hindus celebrate this day because, according to them, Akshaya Tritiya is the day when the great God of Wisdom, God Ganesha, started writing the epic work called "Mahabharata". It is believed that when the Pandavas were in exile the Lord presented them a bowl which was named Akshaya Tritiya. That bowl was never empty and produces an unlimited amount of food on demand.

The most popular story regarding the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya is that Lord Karishna and Sudama were friends during their childhood. Sudama was poor and he went to Karishna to ask him for some financial help or to give him money as a gift as a friend. Sudama did not have anything else except the pouch of Poha and he felt ashamed when he gave it to Karishna as he treated Poha as a king. His poor friend was overwhelmed by the hospitality shown by the Lord Karishna that he could not ask his friend for financial support which led him to go home empty-handed. When he arrived at his home he saw that his run-down hut was converted into a palace and his family was wearing royal attire. Sudama knew that this was the blessing of his friend Krishna who blessed him with more wealth than he needed or could ever imagine. This is why Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains.

Akshaya Tritiya is considered as the most golden day of the year because the word Akshaya means the most "Eternal" that which never diminishes. Any initiative made on that day or anything bought on that day is considered to be good fortune. The most popular activity is the buying of gold and it is believed it will be a sign of good fortune for the buyer. In the Indian culture people typically starts a new business or begins a new venture on Akshaya Tritiya. This is also one of the most popular days for weddings to take plans as the spirit of this day bids them on a very long and fulfilling life journey. It was also believed that people born in that month will be very lucky and will shine bright throughout their life.

Buying gold is the most important ritual which is performed on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. The demand of gold, surges on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. It is believed that gold bought on the day of Akshaya Tritiya brings everlasting prosperity and stays in the family for generations to come. Hence people wait for the whole year for just few days to buy gold and other precious metals. Akshaya Tritiya and Dhantrayodashi are the two most significant days in Hindu calendar to purchase gold. Apart from these two days, Pushya Nakshatra days are also considered auspicious to purchase gold.
Although special gold coins are casted for these special occasions, the traditional female jewelry is in the most demand during Akshaya Tritiya. The most shopping during Akshaya Tritiya is done by female folks who are considered the Griha Lakshmi of their home.

Gold is the most precious metal since Vedic time. It is  the Symbol of power, wealth and the prosperity. In Hinduism, the wealth, including gold and jewels, can be accumulated with the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu. Goddess Lakshmi herself Dwells in the Heart of Lord Vishnu. The day of Akshaya Tritiya is blessed by Lord Vishnu. The day of Akshya Tritiya is blessed by Lord Vishnu. On the day of Akshaya Tritiya, Lakshminarayana form of Lord Vishnu is worshipped with full devotion. In Laksminarayana form Lord Vishnu is worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi. Hence the day of Akshaya Tritiya is linked to Goddess Lakshmi.