Akshay Tritiiya

"Akshay Tritiya" falls on the third "Tithi" (Lunar day) of Bright Half ("Shukla Paksha") of Lunar month of Vaishakha, per Vedic calendar. It is believed that this was the Tithi prevailing at the start of "Treta Yuga". This Tithi is ruled by lord Vishnu. It coincides with Parshuram Jyanti.

The word "Akshay" means "the never diminishing" in Sanskrit.

Astrological significance

As per Hindu electional astrology (Muhurta) three Lunar days ("Tithis") are held as most auspicious. These are called "Sade-Teen Muhurtas" also. These Tithis are : 1st Tithi of Bright Half of "Chaitra" (starting of new year), 10th Tithi of Bright Half of "Ashvina" ("Vijay Dashmi"), 3rd Tithi of Bright Half of "Vaishakha" ("Akshay Tritiya- Parshu Jyanti") & 1st Tithi of Bright Half of "Karttika" are called “Sade-Teen (3 ½) Muhurt”. The first three Tithis are counted as full & the last one as half Tithi, and constitute "Sade - Teen Muhurt."

Religious significance

According to the Vedas, it was on the day of Akshay Tritiiya that Veda Vyasa along with Lord Ganesha started writing the epic, the Mahabharata.

It is also traditionally observed as the birthday of Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Puranas speak about how he reclaimed the land from the sea.

Goa and Konkan regions, even today, are referred to as Parusurama Kshetra. Akshaya Tritiya, the third day of the bright-half of the lunar month of Vaisakha is considered as one of the most sacred days of the year.

The day is generally observed by fasting and worship Lord Vasudeva with rice grains. A dip in the Ganges on this day is considered to be very auspicious.

Vedas say that knowledge gained or charity done on this day is very fruitful. It is considered to be very lucky day to start new business or venture. Many people buy gold or property on this day.

Fasts are kept on this day and poojas are performed. In charity, fan, rice, salt, ghee, sugar, vegetables, tamarind, fruit, clothes, are given. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day. Tulsi water is sprinkled in the nearby are of the idol while performing aarti.

In Bengal, on the day of the Akshay Tritiiya, "HalKhata" or ceremony to start the new audit book is performed - with the worship of Lord Ganesha and Devi Lakshmi. Bengalis perform many rites and rituals on this day.

This day is also most auspicious day for the Jat farming community. It is known as "Akha Teej". Early morning, a male member of Jat family goes to field with shovel. All the animals and birds encountered on the way to the field indicates omen and predictions for rains and crops. Akshay Tritiiya is also an occasion for weddings, which are conducted in mass marriage ceremonies. It is considered an unboojha muhurat.

Jainism

Akshay Tritiiya is a holy day in Jain Calendar as well. People who observe the year-long alternative day fasting finish their "Tapsaya" this day.

Works recommended and prohibited during Akshay Tritiya

Being "Yugadi" Tithi, it is most beneficial for performing meritorious ("Punya Karma") deeds such as recitations "(Japa"), penance ("Tapa"), donations ("Dana") ritual bathing ("Snaana"), sacrifices ("Havan"), burnt oblations to fire ("Hooma"). But initiation / conducting of activities like wearing sacred thread ("Upnayana"), marriage, ending of fast, house construction & entering thereof, travailing and plantation is prohibited. In general it is beneficial for spiritual activities and not the worldly activities.

However worldly activities can also be initiated during currency of this Tithi but aspirants must ensure that the said duration is not sullied by concurrence of malefic time observed according to the Hindu electional principles, and the moments are favourable to the doer by transits of the planets and the like. Aspirants are cautioned to use this Tithi blindly for initiating and conducting all types of life-activities. Auspiciousness of the Tithis for specific activity depends upon simultaneous presence of Panchangam "Shuddhi", "Muhurt Yogas" and host of other elements of Hindu electional astrology.

External links

* [http://www.jainworld.com/jainbooks/guideline/46.htm Akshay Tritiiya and Jainism]
* [http://www.bangalinet.com/akshaytritiya.htm Akshay Tritiya in Bengal]
* [http://www.kamat.com/econtent/umbrella/maharashtrian_rangoli.htm Maharashtrian Rangolis on Akshay Tritiya]
* [http://soullens.blogspot.com/2008/05/akshay-trittiya.html Akshay Tritiya, Akshay Thruthiyai, Akha Teej - Legends, Rituals and Traditions ]
* [http://www.besttime-election.com] - Hindu Electional Astrology
*Electional Astrology- Sade-Teen Muhurtas
*Akshaya Tritiya- also see