Introduction
In 2025, we will celebrate “Akshaya Tritiya” on 30th April. The most auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya—is a festival associated with prosperity, wealth, and happiness. The word Akshaya means “that which never diminishes,” and “Tritiya” refers to the third day of the lunar fortnight (Paksha) making this the perfect day to start something new in life.
It is also known as an annual spring festival for Hindus and Jains.
Fun fact-
- In 2024, Tamil Nadu alone reported sales of 22,000 kg of gold jewellery over two days during Akshaya Tritiya, marking a significant increase in value (₹14,500–15,000 crore) compared to 2023
The Sacred Legend of Akshaya Tritiya
As we all know our Vedic culture is filled with numerous festivals and fasts throughout the year? These sacred occasions infuse human life with new energy and spiritual consciousness, guiding us toward Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha (righteousness, prosperity, desires, and liberation).
One such divine day is Akshaya Tritiya, the third lunar day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Vaishakha. This day is so powerful that any virtuous deed performed on it yields eternal blessings—hence the name Akshaya (imperishable)
Spiritual and Historical Significance of Akshaya Tritiya
- Appearance Day of Lord Parshuram
- The sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Parshuram (Rama with an axe), appeared on this day to eliminate corrupt and tyrannical kings who misused their power in the name of the Vedas.
- Transition of Yugas
- Just as each month and year begins anew, Akshaya Tritiya marks the end of Satya Yuga and the beginning of Treta Yuga.
- Sudama and Lord Krishna’s Divine Blessing
- On this day, Sudama, a poor Brahmin, visited his childhood friend Lord Krishna with nothing but flattened rice (poha) as an offering. Krishna, moved by his devotion, blessed him with eternal wealth and prosperity.
- The Akshaya Patra Gifted to Draupadi
- Suryadev (the Sun God) gifted Draupadi the Akshaya Patra, a vessel that provided unlimited food during the Pandavas’ 12-year exile.
- Mahabharata’s First Written Record
- Sage Ved Vyasa began dictating the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha on this day. Ganesha agreed to write it on the condition that Vyasa would not pause his narration—making this the first written record of India’s greatest epic.
- King Bhagirath Brings the Ganga to Earth
- After severe penance, King Bhagirath pleased Mother Ganga, who descended from Lord Vishnu’s feet to liberate his ancestors.
- Construction of Jagannath Rath Yatra Chariots
- Every year, the construction of the grand chariots for Puri’s Jagannath Rath Yatra begins on Akshaya Tritiya.
- Kubera Becomes the Treasurer of the Gods
- On this day, Kubera was appointed as the guardian of divine wealth and treasures.
The Ancient Tale of a Poor Brahmin Couple
Long ago, Earth was ruled by noble kings and enlightened sages. Yet, karma affects everyone differently. In such times, there lived a poor Brahmin couple who had neither wealth nor children. Despite their hardships, the Brahmin’s wife was devoted, humble, and content with whatever alms her husband brought.
One day, the wife said:
“O husband, despite all efforts, we remain poor and childless. Surely, we must have committed some sin in our past lives. The great sage Vashistha is visiting our town—please seek his guidance.”
Sage Vashistha’s Revelation
The Brahmin approached Sage Vashistha, who revealed:
“In your past life, you were wealthy but miserly—hoarding riches even from your own children. Your attachment to wealth and neglect of family led to this curse of poverty and childlessness. However, you once observed a five-day fast in Vaishakha, which granted you this Brahmin birth and a virtuous wife.”
The Path to Redemption
Sage Vashistha advised:
“Observe at least seven days of devotion to Lord Krishna in Vaishakha. On Akshaya Tritiya, worship Him sincerely, and you will be freed from this curse.”
The Brahmin followed the sage’s words and was liberated from his suffering.
The Power of Sacred Stories
Hearing such puranic tales connects us to divine grace, Guru, and Vaishnava devotion. Thus, one must listen to this story on Akshaya Tritiya.
Key Rituals Performed on Akshaya Tritiya
1. Akshaya Tritiya Puja (Worship)
- Begin the day with a bath, preferably with a few drops of Gangajal, and wear clean clothes
- Prepare a sacred altar (chowki) covered with a yellow cloth and place idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi
- Light a lamp with ghee or oil, prepare a Kalash (sacred pot) with water, turmeric, kumkum, coins, mango leaves, and a coconut
- Offer water, flowers, akshat (unbroken rice with turmeric and kumkum), fruits, and sweets to the deities
- Chant mantras dedicated to Vishnu and Lakshmi, perform aarti (ritual waving of a lamp), and distribute prasad (blessed food)
2. Fasting and Meditation
- Many devotees observe a day-long fast, breaking it only after the evening puja5.
- Meditation and chanting of mantras, especially the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra or the Gayatri Mantra, are encouraged for spiritual merit.
3. Offering Akshata
- Prepare akshata (unbroken rice mixed with turmeric and kumkum) and offer it to Lord Vishnu for family prosperity and good luck.
4. Charity and Donations
- Giving alms (dana) is considered highly auspicious. Common donations include food grains, clothes, jaggery, and other essentials to the needy
- Acts of charity performed on this day are believed to bring inexhaustible merit and blessings throughout the year.
5. Purchase of Gold or Silver
- Buying gold or silver is a widely observed ritual, symbolizing unending prosperity and invoking Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.
- Many people purchase gold coins or jewelry and offer it to the deity before bringing it home15.
6. Pitra Tarpan (Oblations to Ancestors)
- Performing oblations (sraddha) for departed ancestors is considered highly meritorious, believed to liberate them from suffering
7. Reading Scriptures
- Reciting the Bhagavad Gita or other sacred texts is recommended, as it is believed to cleanse past sins and bring spiritual growth
8. Naivedyam Thali (Food Offering)
- Prepare and offer a thali (plate) of milk-based sweets and grains to Lord Vishnu, seeking divine blessings for the household.
These rituals, performed with devotion and sincerity, are believed to bring lasting prosperity, happiness, and spiritual merit on Akshaya Tritiya
Why Celebrate Akshaya Tritiya?
On this auspicious occasion, let’s begin a new chapter in life—one filled with meaning, purpose, and spiritual awakening. It’s a step towards Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion).
Wishing you all a very Happy Akshaya Tritiya!