‘Akshaya’ signifies immortality or that which is indestructible. ‘Tritiyaa' is the third lunar day as per the Hindu calendar.
We explore the Vedantic Significance of Akshay Tritiya here in this podcast.
● It is believed that all sadhanas like Charity, holy bath in sacred rivers, Havan, Japa, Pooja etc. gives Infinite(Akshay) result and merit(punya).
● It is also celebrated as Nara-Narayan Jayanti, Parashuram Jayanti & Hayagriva Jayanti.
● Buying gold and silver jewelry is a key tradition of Akshaya Tritiya as Gold & Silver are noble metals and do not oxidize or corrode, indicating Eternity. They also symbolize abundance and good fortune.
● In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas in exile were gifted a vessel called Akshay Patra by Lord Surya on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. This Divine Vessel offered inexhaustible supply of food.
● The day is also known for the reunion of Lord Krishna and Sudama, who were childhood friends.
● The Chota Char Dham (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri & Yamunotri) open on the Akshaya Tritiyaa after the Winter break. The deities are brought down from these 4 places after Diwali and again taken back to the temples a few days before Akshaya Tritiyaa.
● On this day, devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Vaibhav Lakshmi and Lord Krishna by observing a fast and performing puja.
● Individuals also donate clothes, ghee, rice, fruits, salt, and vegetables to the needy on this auspicious day.