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Akshaya Tritiya Story in Hindu Scriptures and Puranas

One of the most important and popular story associated with observing Akshaya Tritiya is that of Sri Krishna and Kuchela. Another significant story is that of the Pandavas receiving the Akshaya Patra from Krishna. Interestingly, Sri Krishna plays and important part in the stories associated with Akshaya Tritiya.

In the most famous story associated Akshaya Tritiya, Kuchela, a poor Brahmin and schoolmate of Sri Krishna, visited Sri Krishna with the intention of asking some financial favor. Kuchela, also known as Sudama, carried with him handful of poha or aval (beaten rice). Kuchela was received warmly by Sri Krishna at Dwarka. On reaching, the palace of Krishna, Kuchela was ashamed to give the ‘poha’ to Krishna – as it was filled with stones and it also was drenched in his sweat.

But the ever playful Krishna noticed the small bag in the hand of his schoolmate and soon grabbed it and ate a handful of ‘poha’. Kuchela could not believe his eyes, Krishna, the Lord all beings, eating his poha. Kuchela had tears in his eyes. The intense devotion of the poor man came out in the form of tears – tears rolled down from his eyes. He was speechless.

It is said ‘Athiti Devo Bhava’ (Guest are equal to God) and Krishna treated Kuchela like a God. The poor Brahmin was so overwhelmed by the love shown by Krishna that he forgot to ask for financial help and returned home empty handed.

On reaching his village Sudama could not find his old hut. Instead his hut was replaced by a palace. His wife and children were wearing good clothes and everything that was old and worn out was replaced with new.

It didn’t take long for Kuchela to realize that all this was the ‘leela’ of the ever-smiling Sri Krishna. The day Kuchela met Sri Krishna was hence observed as Akshaya Tritiya.

This story proves that there is no greater offering to God than steadfast devotion.

Akshya Patra Story

Another legend happened in the Mahabharata. While the Pandavas were in exile, Sri Krishna presented them with an Akshaya Patra – a bowl which gives unlimited amount of food. It is believed that Krishna had presented it on Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Tritiya day. Therefore it is believed that all investments on the day will only increase in value.

Birth of Parashuram

Parashuram, the sixth Avatar, of Srihari Vishnu appeared on the day.

Beginning of Treta Yuga

According to the Puranas, the day also marks the beginning to Treta Yuga.

Writing of Mahabharata

On Akshaya Tritiya day, Veda Vyasa began the composition of the Mahabharata. He narrated the great epic of Sri Ganesha on the day and who began writing it down non stop.