PANAJI
It is that time of the year again, and the markets are bustling with activity. Considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Tritiya is highly anticipated. Various shops and businesses across the State look forward to boosting their sales as the day approaches.
Observed today, April 19, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated as one of the most powerful abujh muhurats (self-certified auspicious times) in the Hindu calendar, meaning the entire day is considered fortunate for new beginnings. Various investments and purchases of valuables are made today without the need to consult specific planetary alignments. It is often regarded as one of the Sade-Teen Muhurats—the “three-and-a-half” auspicious days, alongside Gudi Padwa, Vijayadashami, and Balipratipada—symbolising eternal prosperity, growth, and never-diminishing good fortune.
Legends, Mythological Significance
There are various legends surrounding the occasion. According to one narrative, Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born in the Treta Yuga on this day. Another myth suggests that Maharishi Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, began narrating the epic to Lord Ganesh on this very occasion.
Some also consider this to be the day when Sudama, Lord Krishna’s childhood friend, visited him and offered his humble gift of poha (flattened rice) without asking for anything in return. Pleased with his devotion and humility, Lord Krishna blessed him abundantly. Yet another tale recounts how the sacred river Ganga descended to Earth from heaven on Akshaya Tritiya. One widely believed legend involves the five Pandavas and their wife, Draupadi. While in exile, they received a message from a visiting sage who wished to dine with them. However, they had already finished their meal and put their utensils away. Praying for help, Lord Krishna appeared at their door, stating that he was very hungry.
Upon entering, he found a single grain of rice stuck to their cooking pot. He ate that grain, transforming the vessel into an Akshaya Patra—a pot that never diminishes or runs out. When the sage later arrived with his 400 disciples, Draupadi was able to feed them all from that single pot; the more she served, the more food appeared. The association of Vaadh (growth) likely stems from this miraculous tale.
Auspicious Beliefs
“Akshaya” means “eternal,” and the term “Tritiya” signifies the third day of the illuminated half of the Vaishakha month. While gold sales lead the shopping trends during Akshaya Tritiya, several new ventures also prepare to enter the market.
Gold Buying and Changing Traditions
“Previously, people were primarily occupied in agriculture, so they used to buy seeds and farming equipment. They believed that seeds sown on this occasion would deliver a bountiful crop,” says Manjunath Shenoy, a deputy manager at Abharan, a well-known shop in Borda. “The trend of buying gold has emerged only in the last couple of decades. People firmly believe that it is a highly auspicious day, and that whatever they buy, or any venture they start, will double, grow, and bring long-lasting success,” he adds.
Jain Traditions and Ritual Observances
While widely celebrated by Hindus, Akshaya Tritiya is also deeply revered by the Jain community. This day, known to them as Akti or Akha Teej, falls on the third lunar day (tithi) of the Shukla Paksha in the Vaishakha month. “We will be observing Akshaya Tritiya on the 20th, one day later. On this day, the abhishek of Bhagwanji is performed in three stages, beginning with ganna ras (sugarcane juice),” explains Hukamichand, an office bearer at the Shri Sumathinath Jain Mandir.
“This is done because it is believed that Adinath Bhagwan ended (Parna) his 400-day-long fast with sugarcane juice. The second stage of the abhishek is performed with water and milk, and finally with the Keshar Puja. It is universally considered an auspicious day to begin anything,” he concludes.
While various beliefs and traditions surround Akshaya Tritiya, the shared faith in its spiritual power and positivity holds common ground. It is a day that brings excitement, hope, and the firm belief that whatever you sow today will reap and grow abundantly in the future.
