Kids’ Org. : Most Auspicious Day 

Stories on Akshaya Tritiya

Perhaps, the most famous of the Akshaya Tritiya stories is the legend of Lord Krishna and Sudama, his poor Brahmin childhood friend. On this day, as the tale goes, Sudama came over to Krishna's palace to ask him for some financial help. As a gift for his friend, Sudama had nothing more than a handful of beaten rice or 'poha'. So, he was utterly ashamed to give it to Krishna, but Krishna took the pouch of 'poha' from him and relished having it. Krishna followed the principle of Atithi Devo Bhava or 'the guest is like God'. His poor friend was so overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality shown by Krishna, that he could not ask for the financial favour and came home empty handed. Lo and behold! When he reached his place, Sudama's old hut was transformed into a palace! He found his family dressed in royal attire and everything around was new and expensive. Sudama knew that it was a boon from Krishna, who blessed him with more than the wealth he actually intended to ask for. Therefore, Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains and wealth acquisition.

How To Celebrate Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya day is ruled by God Vishnu who is the preserver God in the Hindu Trinity. The Treta Yuga began on Akshaya Tritiya day. Vedic astrologers also consider Askshay Tritiya an auspicious day free from all malefic effects. As per Hindu Astrology three lunar days, Ugadi, Akshaya Tritiya and Vijay Dashami don’t need any muhurta to start or perform any auspicious work as these three days are free from all malefic effects.
On the day of Akshaya Tritiya, besides worshipping Goddess Lakshmi the following animals are also worshipped– Gaja (elephant) elephants are worshiped for the sustenance of wealth and prosperity; Ashwa( horse) is considered to be the disciple of Mars (planet), which represents command and energy and Gou (cow) which is considered as symbol of kindness, love and warmth are worshipped
Goa and Kerala regions, even today, are referred to as Parushuram Kshetra. In Odisha, on Akshay Tritiya day, farmers start ploughing their land and construction of chariots for Rath Yatra begins at Puri.
This day is generally observed by fasting and worshipping Lord Vasudev with rice grains. A dip in the river Ganges on this day is considered to be very auspicious.
In Bengal, on the day of the Akshay Tritiya, “Halkhata” — a ceremony to start the new audit book is performed. People worship Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi by performing many rites and rituals on this day.
This day is most auspicious day for the Jat farming community too.
Followers of the Jain religion consider Akshaya Tritiya to be a holy and supremely auspicious day. It is associated with Lord Adinath, also known as Rishabhadeva, first of the twenty-four Tīrthankaras.

Bright Births

It is also believed that people born during this time shine bright in life. Many luminaries were born during this period: Basaveshwara was born on May 4, Ramanujacharya and Adi Shankaracharya on May 6, Swami Chinmayananda on May 8 and Lord Buddha on May 16. Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It was on this day that Goddess Annapoorna was born.