Tuesday 13 September 2011

AKSHAYA TRITIYA – GOLDEN DAY OF ETERNAL SUCCESS

When does this day come every year?

Akshaye Tritiya, falling on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) – bright half of the lunar month of Vaisakha of the traditional Hindu calendar, is one of the four most auspicious days of the year for  Hindus.

What does Akshaya Tritiya means?

 The word Akshaya, a Sanskrit word, means that which never diminishes – hence beginnings made or valuables bought on this day are considered certain to bring luck and success. This day is specially important as on this day any thing you donate is shaya or never ending. 

 The sixth Avatar of Lord Vishnu

Many may not be aware that actually it’s the Birthday of Lord Parashurama. 

Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of the Treta Yug. The birthday of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu falls on this day. This is one of the most auspicious days according to the Hindu calendar.
According to Hindu mythology, on this day the Treta Yuga began; and the Ganges River, the most holy and sacred river of India, descended to the earth from the heaven.

The Sun and Moon are astrologically believed to be at their most exalted equal brightness on this day.

The Hindus all over the world keep this day in mind while undertaking new business ventures or planning for weddings or traveling to distant lands.

Most of us are already aware of the four goals of every human – Dharma (one’s righteous duty), Artha (purpose, cause, motive, meaning, notion), Kama (pleasure, sensual gratification, sexual fulfillment, pleasure of the senses, desire, eros, the aesthetic enjoyment of life) and Moksha (is the liberation from samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth or reincarnation). Out of these, Artha plays an important role. Artha here means money. Even decades passes by, the importance of Artha remains the same. Without Artha, nothing can be achieved. Here Artha merely does not only mean money but also includes honour, happiness etc.

 Mythology and Legend

LEGEND 1

 In the most famous story associated Akshaya Tritiya, Kuchela, a poor Brahmin and schoolmate of Sri Krishna

, visited Krishna with the intention of asking some financial favor. Kuchela, also known as Sudama, carried with him handful of poha or aval (beaten rice). On reaching, the palace of Krishna at Dwarka, Kuchela was ashamed to give the ‘poha’ to Krishna.

But the ever playful Krishna noticed the small bag in the hand of his schoolmate and soon grabbed it and ate a handful of ‘poha’. Kuchela could not believe his eyes, Krishna, the king, eating his poha.

It is said ‘Athiti Devo Bhava’ (Guest are equal to God) and Krishna treated Kuchela like a God. The poor Brahmin was so overwhelmed by the love shown by Krishna that he forgot to ask for financial help and returned home empty handed.

On reaching his village Sudama could not find his old hut. Instead his hut was replaced by a palace. His wife and children were wearing good  clothes  and everything that was old and worn out was replaced with new.

It didn’t take long for Kuchela to realize that all this was the ‘leela’ of the ever-smiling Sri Krishna. The day Kuchela met Sri Krishna was hence observed as Akshaya Tritiya.

LEGEND 2

Another legend happened in the Mahabharata. While the Pandavas were in exile, Sri Krishna presented them with an Akshaya Patra – a bowl which gives unlimited amount of food. It is believed that Krishna had presented it on a Trithiya day. Therefore it is believed that all investments on the day will only increase in value.

LEGEND 3

According to the Puranas – on this auspicious day, Veda Vyasa began the composition of the Mahabharata.
Things to do on this Auspicious Day

-> On this day articles given, in form of alms, dakshina to guru, these things include grain money, and donations.
-> Anushtaans done for Mahalaxmiji, the Godess of wealth, will be beneficial for blessings of prosperity all year round. 
-> Visit Mahalaxmiji mandir, and 4 coins should be thrown in all 4 directions, this will open doors to wealth. 
-> Chanting Anang mantra “Om Hloum Hloom Anangaay Phat” makes one physically fit and reduces impotency problems. 
-> Married women wear a red thread with vermillion around their necks and invoke good wishes in a Shiv mandir for longevity of their husbands.
-> Unmarried ones put it on the feet of Lord Shiva to get the husband they wish for. 
-> Visit Shiv mandir with neem leaves and after offering to Shiva put under the pillow of a sick person, the person will recover from his illness and evil eyes. 
-> It is the day of eternal prosperity for any auspicious beginning and buying valuables, gold items or remedial measures.

No comments:

Post a Comment