Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third lunar day of the Hindi Vasant or Vaisakha month in the Panchangam. This year, Akshay Tritiya will be celebrated on 10th May 2024.
Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated by Hindus and the Jains all over India. Popularly known as ‘Akha Teej’, it is believed to be a festival of good luck, good fortune, and prosperity. It falls on the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the Indian month of Vaishakha, which is generally April or May, as per Gregorian calendar.
In Sanskrit, the word "Akshaya" means "never diminishing" in Sanskrit, and it is believed that any new project or venture started on this day will bring prosperity and good fortune. It is considered highly auspicious for starting new ventures, marriages, investments, and purchasing gold or other precious items.
Devotees celebrate this festival by offering prayers to deities, performing rituals, and charitable activities like giving alms to the needy. Additionally, this day is also considered auspicious for buying gold jewelry or investing in gold.
Akshaya Tritiya also known as Akha Teej is an auspicious day as per Hindu scriptures. On the day of the festival, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, Akti, or Parsurama Jayanti, is a highly auspicious occasion celebrated by followers of Hinduism and Jainism. Falling during the Shukla Paksha, the waxing phase of the moon, in the month of Vaisakha, holds significant importance.
The term 'Akshaya' in Sanskrit signifies infinite or eternal, symbolising boundless fortune and prosperity associated with this day. It is believed to be an opportune time to initiate new ventures such as starting a business, embarking on a new job, or relocating to a new residence.
The day is considered as one of the best days when it comes to starting something new. People buy precious metals like gold, silver on the occasion as it is believed to bring prosperity and good luck to the family. On the occasion, people also pay their respect to those who are no longer with them.
In Sanatan Dharm, Akshay Tritiya is believed to be an aboojh muhoort. Aboojh means that the muhoort is so auspicious that one need not consult anyone for performing any auspicious task on the day of Akshay Tritiya.
Akshaya Tritiya | Auspicious Puja Muhurat |
Akshaya Tritiya Puja Muhurat is from 06:06 a.m. to 12:35 p.m., lasting for 6 hours and 29 minutes. The Tritiya Tithi begins at 04:17 a.m. on 10 May 2024 and ends at 02:50 a.m. on 11 May 2024. Choghadiya Muhurat for Akshaya Tritiya and Muhurat timings in various cities are as follows:
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New Delhi: 05:33 a.m. to 12:18 p.m.
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Chennai: 05:45 a.m. to 12:06 p.m.
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Jaipur: 05:42 a.m. to 12:23 p.m.
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Hyderabad: 05:46 a.m. to 12:13 p.m.
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Kolkata: 04:59 AM to 11:33 AM
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Mumbai: 06:06 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
Akshay Tritiya is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe within the holy trinity. The day of akshaya teej is revered for its significance in Hindu mythology, marking the beginning of the Treta Yug. It often coincides with Parsurama Jayanti, a celebration honouring Lord Parsurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Esteemed for its auspicious nature, people across the country seize the opportunity presented by this day, particularly in the acquisition of gold and silver jewellery, believed to usher prosperity into one's life. The act of purchasing precious metals on this occasion is thought to bestow good fortune upon one's household and family. Celebrations typically include yajnas, pujas, and acts of charity, with a focus on distributing clothing, food, and essentials to the less fortunate, thereby amplifying the auspicious effects of the day and earning the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
According to Hindu mythology, the Treta Yuga began on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.
On the occasion of the festival, people clean their houses. Pujas and Yajna are performed for luck, prosperity, and good health of the all loved ones. Doing charity is also an important part of the day and as such food, clothes and other items are distributed among the poor and needy people.
The festivities of this auspicious day are complete with performing the puja with utmost devotion and diligence. Therefore, we have compiled a detailed puja procedure exclusively for you. Here's how to conduct the puja:
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Begin the day by rising early and taking a bath with holy water. Add a few drops of Ganga Jal to a bucket of water while bathing.
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After cleansing, adorn yourself in fresh attire for the occasion.
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Offer an arghya to the Sun or Surya Dev.
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Find a serene spot to meditate for a brief period, known as performing dhyana.
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Take a solemn vow, or sankalp, to perform the entire puja with sincerity in your heart.
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Sprinkle holy water or Ganga Jal on the place of worship and the puja chowki.
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Cover the chowki with a fresh yellow cloth and place idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi upon it. Ensure that the idol of Goddess Lakshmi is positioned to the left of Lord Vishnu.
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Light a ghee or oil lamp to the right of the chowki.
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Take a kalash and apply turmeric to it, forming a Swastika with sindoor.
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Fill the kalash with water, adding kumkum and turmeric. Place coins and mango leaves inside, then position a coconut on top.
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Position the kalash on the chowki.
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Invoke Lord Ganesha to commence the puja. Offer fruits, flowers, akshat, kalava, and dakshina to seek his blessings.
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Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, presenting Mauli, kumkum, akshat, and flowers to them. Provide a janeu to Lord Vishnu and apply sindoor to Goddess Lakshmi.
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Recite mantras to appease Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi and offer naivedhyam.
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Conclude the rituals by performing an aarti and praying for a happy and prosperous life.
Astrological Significance of Akshaya Tritiya
The auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya holds profound astrological significance, contributing to its perceived magic and manifold benefits. Akha Teej always aligns with the Sun's entry into Aries and the moon's placement in Taurus. Sun & Moon are in their sign of exaltation respectively on the day of Akshay Tritiya.
It occurs on the third day of the Shukla Paksha during the Vaisakha month, which coincides with a period when both the sun and the moon shine the brightest. This alignment doesn't merely signify the intensity of their light but rather denotes their optimal positioning, ensuring maximum light reaches the Earth's surface.
Consequently, their celestial dignity peaks during this time, rendering the period exceptionally auspicious. It is believed that luck prevails abundantly, eliminating the necessity to seek out an auspicious muhurta to commence new endeavours on this day.
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In Orissa, the commencement of the construction of the chariots for the renowned Rath Yatra marks the significance of Akshaya Tritiya.
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Uttar Pradesh observes a unique tradition at the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, where the deity's feet are unveiled to the public for seeking blessings. According to scriptures, this day symbolises the creation of the universe by God, hence holding immense significance.
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Maharashtra witnesses women exchanging haldi and kumkum, symbols of marital bliss, to pray for a harmonious married life. Additionally, they worship Goddess Gauri to seek longevity for their husbands.
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In West Bengal, devotees express profound devotion to Goddess Lakshmi, considering this day as the most auspicious of the year. People purchase precious metals to invoke prosperity and abundance in their lives.
Numerous legends are intertwined with this auspicious day, but the most significant one revolves around Goddess Annapurna. According to the scriptures, Goddess Annapurna, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, manifested on this joyous occasion of Akshaya Tritiya to generously provide food to the hungry.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva, disguised as a beggar, visited Annapurna and requested sustenance. One may wonder why the Lord of the universe would need to beg for food. This act served as a spiritual reminder to humanity, emphasising the importance of feeding the less fortunate, as God resides within every being. Thus, according to this narrative, the Goddess herself fed none other than Lord Shiva on this auspicious day.
Celebrating this day yields numerous benefits, encouraging individuals to seize the fortunate period by giving back to society, thereby attracting greater abundance into their lives.
FAQs on Akshaya Tritiya
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What is the significance of the Akshaya Tritiya festival?
Akshay Tritiya has a significant cultural and religious importance. Many people across India believe Akshaya Tritiya to be a day of good fortune and prosperity. Akshaya teej is considered auspicious for starting new projects, making investments, buying gold, and conducting other religious ceremonies.
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Why do people consider purchasing gold on Akshaya Tritiya as auspicious?
Gold buying on Akshaya Tritiya is considered auspicious because it is believed to bring prosperity and wealth. It is believed that any investment or purchase made on the day of Akshay Tritiya will continue to grow and prosper, symbolising never-ending prosperity.
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How do people celebrate Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated with various rituals and traditions across different regions of India. People often start their day with prayers and visit temples to seek blessings. Many also perform charitable deeds and offer donations. Buying gold, starting new ventures, and conducting pujas are common practices.
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Are there any specific rituals associated with Akshaya Tritiya?
Yes, there are several rituals associated with Akshaya Tritiya. Some people observe fasts, perform puja ceremonies, offer prayers to deities like Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and take part in charitable activities. It is also common to visit holy rivers and bathe in them on the day of Akshay Tritiya.
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Can non-Hindus participate in the celebrations of Akshay Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya is primarily a Hindu festival, but people from different cultural backgrounds often participate in its celebrations. The festival promotes values like prosperity, charity, and new beginnings, which are universal themes.
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What are some traditional dishes prepared during Akshay Tritiya?
Traditional dishes prepared during Akshaya Tritiya vary by region. Some common dishes include special sweets like kheer, puran poli, and ladoos. In addition, people also prepare various vegetarian dishes as part of the celebratory feast.
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Are there any superstitions associated with Akshaya Tritiya?
While Akshaya Tritiya is considered an auspicious day, there aren't specific superstitions associated with it. However, some people believe strongly in the auspiciousness of certain actions performed on this day, such as buying gold or starting new ventures.
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Can Akshaya Tritiya be celebrated at home?
Yes, Akshaya Tritiya can be celebrated at home with family members. Individuals can perform puja ceremonies, offer prayers, and partake in charitable activities from the comfort of their homes. It is a time for spiritual reflection and gratitude.
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Is Akshaya Tritiya celebrated differently in different parts of India?
Yes, the traditions and customs associated with Akshaya Tritiya may vary from region to region in India. While the essence of the festival remains the same, specific rituals and practices may diffe