On the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, we bring you various kinds of religious activities and festive celebrations associated with the day

FESTIVE FERVOUR

On the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, we bring you various kinds of religious activities and festive celebrations associated with the day

GOLD IN MYTHOLOGY Buying gold is best on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold originated from Sanskrit root “Hri”. It is known as Hiranya in Sanskrit. This word is deeply attached to the Hindu belief system of Hiranyagarbha — one born out of gold. This word popularly refers to the God of creation, Brahma. According to some legends, the creator deposited a seed in the waters of the dark and lifeless universe. The seed became a bright golden egg as radiant as the sun. From this cosmic egg was born Brahma. Thus, it is believed that valuables bought on this day keep on increasing in life. 

SPIRITUAL LEANINGS Popular belief says the offerings on Akshay Tritiya never go away. In fact, one drives more benefit out of it. The donations are believed to help in reducing the sins of previous births. People should offer Satpaatre Daan. That is, donating to activities that not only enhance spiritual progress, but also aim at the protection of the Nation and Dharma. By offering satpaatre daan, the donor does not acquire merit, but his karma becomes akarma (karma performed without any doer-ship) and he becomes happy. With spiritual progress, the seeker, instead of going to Heaven, goes higher in positive spiritual planes (lokas). 

SESAME OFFERINGS This day is marked with increased spiritual purity by 60-70%. Til Tarpan means offering sesame and water to deities as well as ancestors. Sesame is known to negate negative energy. Water is the symbol of pure spiritual emotion. Thus, by offering tarpan, natives surrender before their deities with gratitude. It also means one is repaying his/her debt. As a result, the native is blessed in his spiritual progress and obstacles are removed. 

PRAYERS TO MOTHER EARTH On this day, Goddess Mother Earth (Mrutika Devi) is worshiped. It is believed that Mother Earth blesses her devotees with food grains (Dhaanya Lakshmi), wealth (Dhana Lakshmi) and Prosperity (Vaibhav Lakshmi). It is believed that trees planted on this auspicious day will blossom with abundant fruits. Ayurvedic medicinal herbs, planted on this auspicious day, are believed to survive forever. 

RENDEZVOUS WITH RELIGION The ruler of the day is Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Hayagriv, Narayan and Parshuram descended on Earth on this day. To celebrate the spirit of the day, pujas and offerings to Goddess Vaibhav Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna are performed.
    Kubera, the treasurer of Gods, pray to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu, on this day. Devotees also perform a daylong Kubera Lakshmi Puja in which an image of Vaibhav Lakshmi is worshipped along with the Sudarsana chakra and Kubera yantra — symbolising Kubera.
    In charity, rice, salt, ghee, sugar, vegetables, tamarind, fruit and clothes are given. So, here’s wishing a Happy Akshaya Tritya to all!