Subhamoy Das has been an exponent on Hinduism. Yesterday, we all celebrated
Akshay Tritiya. Heres a small note on the same by Subhamoy. I selected this
article to the writings of Devdutt Patnaik (eg: Let Wealth Flow on May
19-2010) on the same topic because of the bullet-point wise approach of the
former. I am sure many would be knowing all the aspects of the said
festival; hope you enjoy it anyways.
Hindus believe in the theory of "mahurats" or auspicious timings in every
step in life - be it to begin a new venture or making an important
purchase. Akshaya Tritiya is one such momentous occasion, which is
considered one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar. It is
believed, any meaningful activity started on this day would be fruitful.
Once a Year
Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month
(April-May), when the Sun and Moon are in exaltation; they are
simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only once every
year.
Holy Day
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as "Akha Teej", is traditionally the birthday
of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. People conduct
special Pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, make a charity, offer
barley in a sacred fire, and worship Lord Ganesha & Devi Lakshmi on this
day.
The Golden Link
The word "Akshaya" means imperishable or eternal - that which never
diminishes. Initiations made or valuables bought on this day are considered
to bring success or good fortune. Buying gold is a popular activity on
Akshaya Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity.
Gold and gold jewelry bought and worn on this day signify never diminishing
good fortune. Indians celebrate weddings, begin new business ventures, and
even plan long journeys on this day.
Myths Around Akshaya Tritiya
The day also marks the beginning of the "SatyaYug" or the Golden Age - the
first of the four Yugas. In the Puranas, the holy Hindu scriptures, there
is a story that says that on this day of Akshay Tritiya, Veda Vyasa along
with Ganesha started writing the great epic Mahabharata. Ganga Devi or
Mother Ganges also descended on earth on this day.
According to another legend, during the time of the Mahabhrata, when the
Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna, on this day, presented them an
'Akshaya Patra,' a bowl which would never go empty and produce an unlimited
supply of food on demand.
The Krishna-Sudama Legend
Perhaps, the most famous of the Akshaya Tritiya stories is the legend of
Lord Krishna and Sudama, his poor Brahmin childhood friend. On this day, as
the tale goes, Sudama came over to Krishna's palace to request him for some
financial help. As a gift for his friend, Sudama had nothing more than a
handful of beaten rice or 'poha'. So, he was utterly ashamed to give it to
Krishna, but Krishna took the pouch of 'poha' from him and relished having
it. Krishna followed the principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'the guest is
like God' and treated Sudama like a king. His poor friend was so
overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality shown by Krishna, that he could
not ask for the financial favor and came home empty handed. Lo and behold!
When he reached his place, Sudama's old hut was transformed into a palace!
He found his family dressed in royal attire and everything around was new
and expensive. Sudama knew that it was a boon from Krishna, who blessed him
with more than the wealth he actually intended to ask for. Therefore,
Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains and wealth acquisition.
Bright Births
It is also believed that people born during this time shine bright in life.
Many luminaries were born during this period: Basaveshwara born on May 4,
Ramanujacharya and Adi Shankaracharya on May 6, Swami Chinmayananda on May
8 and Lord Buddha on May 16. Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as the
birthday of Lord Parashurama, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.
As I always say, brickbats and bouquets welcome!
-Sukhi
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