Akshaya Tritiya or AkhaTeej, falls on the third lunar day of the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) of the Indian month of Vaishakha. The word “Akshaya” in Sanskrit symbolizes the never diminishing, as is exemplified in Draupadi’s Akshayapatra that had a never-ending supply of food till Draupadi herself partook off its offerings. Akshaya Tritiya is also called NavannaParvam. Akshaya Tritiya that occurs with the Rohini star on a Monday is considered most auspicious.
Akshaya Tritiya is a holy day for Hindus and Jains and is considered one of the four most important days for Hindus. It is said to be the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth and longest pervading incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is also believed that it was on this day that Lord Ganesha began the transcribing of the Mahabharata under the oral recitation of Veda Vyas. It is also believed to mark the start of the Treta Yuga and the day the Holy River Ganges was brought to Earth by Bhagirath.In more recent history, Adi Shankara recited the Kanaka DharaStotram on this day for the benefit of the poor couple whose hospitality and offering of gooseberries pleased him immensely.
The most popular story regarding the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya is that of Lord Krishna and Sudama. The two were childhood friends and departed to lead separate lives upon the completion of their education. Sudama, unable to deal with his impoverished state, went to Krishna for financial help and took with him a measly offering of beaten rice or poha. Ashamed as he was to present the gift to his stately friend, Sudama was overwhelmed with the enthusiasm with which Lord Krishna accepted his gift. In his delight, he returned home without asking Krishna for the help he had originally intended to, but to his surprise found that his run-down hut was now a palace and his family was wearing royal attire. Sudama recognized this as the blessing of his friend Krishna and thus began the association of Akshaya Tritiya with material gain.
It is believed that Akshaya Tritiya brings good luck and success and that benevolence on this day is richly rewarded. The day is also propitious for all new ventures. Legends state that any venture initiated on Akshaya Tritiya is blessed with growth and prosperity for years to come. The treasurer of the Gods, Kubera is said to invoke Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu, on Akshay Tritiya.
Followers of Jainism consider Akshaya Tritiiya to be a holy and supremely auspicious day. It is associated with Lord Adinatha, also known as Rishabhadeva, first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras. Jains celebrate this day to commemorate the end of the year-long fast that Tirthankara Rishabha had endured by consuming sugarcane juice poured into his cupped hands. On this day those who observe the year-long alternate day fasting known as Varshi-tap, finish their Tapasya by drinking sugarcane juice.
Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated by the current generation with the start of a new venture or with the purchase of valuables. The practice of buying gold jewellery on Akshaya Tritiya, while quite recent, has gained immense popularity over the last decade with vigorous campaigns undertaken by banks, jewelry shops, and financial institutions. While on the one hand there is controversy regarding modern retailers exploiting the materialistic urge in people, there is, undeniably, a much higher awareness today about the significance of Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej.
Whether it is to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into your homes as is believed, or to just indulge, Gehna offers you myriad options to choose from for your Akshaya Tritiya purchase. Gone are the days when the purchase of jewellery was earmarked for special occasions such as weddings. With the increase in impulse jewellery buying trends, Gehna offers a wide range of extremely affordable jewellery that will set you apart. Explore our AkshayaTritiya Collection for those lightweight indulgences, perfect to commemorate Akshaya Tritiya. For those with more ambitious jewellery needs, Gehna has already proved itself nonpareil with its wide range of ornate stunners in gold, diamonds, and every other precious stone imaginable. And if an off the counter purchase is not what you desire, Gehna’s customization is unmatched with the team’s keen attention to detail and your preferences.
So drop into our store or drop us a line and bring home prosperity this Akshaya Tritiya. We wish you all the most prosperous and successful days ahead.
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Shanaya Subramaniam
This post explains the core concept of Akshaya Tritiya very nicely. It is indeed considered that you should buy gold and other new things on this auspicious day. You can also gift gold or jewellery to your loved ones on this day.