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Akshaya Tritiya 2024 - Importance - Benefits - Marriage

Akshaya Tritiya, or Akha Teej, is a highly auspicious day which falls on the third day after Amavasya (no moon) in the Hindu month of Vaishakha. Akshaya Tritiya 2024 date is May 10. Akshaya Tritiya meaning is that which never diminishes and Tritiya refers to the third day of the waxing phase of moon in Vaishakh month (April - May). The main benefit of Akshaya Tritiya is that whatever you donate or buy on the day will increase manifold.

Importance of Akshaya Tritiya

As per Hindu astrology and almanac, each second on the Akshaya Tritiya day is auspicious and this is the importance of the day. It is said that there is no need to look for a ‘muhurat’ on the day. The word Akshaya means ‘that which never diminishes’ and the day is ideal for beginning new ventures as it is believed that all investments on this day appreciate.

All You Need to Know About Akshaya Tritiya Festival

In a traditional Hindu lunar calendar, Akshay Tritiya is observed on the third day of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Vaishakh Month.

It is believed that the sun and the moon are most radiant and best placed on the day. Therefore it is one of the most popular dates in Hindu calendar for marriages, for beginning new ventures, for investing and for purchasing valuables like gold and diamond.

There is also a belief that Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga began on Akshaya Tritiya. Satya Yuga is the first era in Hindu time division and this is the golden age. Dharma flourishes. Treta Yuga is the second age and Bhagavan Sri Ram appeared during this period.

Which Gods are Worshiped on Akshaya Tritiya?

Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu and Kuber are worshiped on Akshaya Tritiya. It is meritorious to visit Vishnu Temple on the day.

Stories Associated with Akshaya Tritiya

There are numerous legends associated with Akshaya Tritiya; most popular is that of Sudama or Kuchela visiting Lord Krishna in Dwarka with a handful of beaten rice (poha or aval).

Another legend suggests that the Pandavas received the Akshaya Pathram (bowl) from Lord Krishna (in the Mahabharata) on this day.

It is also believed that Sage Vyasa began the composition of Mahabharata on the day. You can read the entire legend associated with Akshaya Tritiya here.

It is also believed that Shiva appointed Kuber as the treasurer of wealth of Devas (demigods) and Goddess Lakshmi as the Goddess of wealth on the day.

There is another belief that Goddess Lakshmi visits houses on the day and blesses with wealth and prosperity. She visits those house that are clean and in which Dharma is followed.

Parshuram Jayanti is also observed on Akshaya Tritiya day.

As per some Hindu communities Hayagriva form of Vishnu appeared on the day.

There is also a belief that Nara-Narayana form of Vishnu also appeared on the day.

What to do on Akshaya Tritiya?

  • Lord Vishnu and his incarnations are worshiped on the day. People also conduct Lakshmi puja on Akshaya Tritiya. Kubera is also worshiped on the day.
  • Worship of Nara Narayana and Shiva-Parvati is auspicious.
  • Annadhanam – offering food to the poor is considered to be the greatest thing one can do on this day. Hindus believe there is no Dhanam greater than Annadhanam. 
  • Perform Shradh, Tarpan, Pindadaan and other rituals dedicated to dead ancestors yearns merits.
  • Taking holy dip in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna etc will help in sin redemption.
  • It is also believed that the day is ideal to give up all bad habits and to ask forgiveness. It is said in the Puranas that Bhagavan forgives all the mistakes of devotee and gives him the opportunity to start afresh.   (read more about what to do on Akshaya Tritiya here - it as exhaustive list)

Do not convert Akshaya Tritiya into Hindu Gold Rush Day

But nowadays, Akshaya Tritiya is associated with the gold purchase and many people wait for the day to make investments in gold.

There is a marketing blitz especially associated with gold, jewelry, and diamonds.

A day in which Kuchela made the greatest offering to Sri Krishna has been cleverly converted to a day for hoarding. Kuchela did not have anything other than the stone-filled beaten rice to offer to Sri Krishna. And Bhagavan Sri Krishna did not hesitate even for a second to give away all that he had to his Bhakta. Here both are giving. Prosper by giving that is a recurrent theme in Hinduism.

Ardha (wealth) is an important aspect of Hinduism and But it is not the only purushartha. Purusharthas are Dharma, Ardha, Kama, and Moksha. That wealth which is used as per Dharma only helps in Moksha. (Read more thoughts on the how Akshaya Tritiya became the Hindu Gold Rush Day  )

What Can Be Donated on Akshaya Tritiya?

Donating fan, pot, cooking kadai (pan), umbrella, sattu, cucumber, melon, seasonal fruits, sugar, food grains, cow ghee will help in pleasing the ancestors. The pitrs (dead ancestors) will bless people on earth.

Those donating honey, books, sesame, clothes, grains, silver, and salt on the day will be blessed with peace and prosperity. They will attain fame and honor.

Donating water, curd, and milk will help in getting rid of poverty.

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