Festivals and fasts have their importance in the Bharatiya culture. Festivals contribute to the socio-economic growth of society and the nation. Fasting cleanses the mind and improves digestion. Fasts and festivals aid in spiritual development. They bring together people of various backgrounds and help them to prosper economically. The festival cycle preserves culture while keeping the economic cycle moving. It reminds everyone that life is a journey that must be celebrated.
Why Shopping Is Auspicious?
The festival of Akshaya Tritiya (April 22) is observed every year on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaishakh, according to the Hindu calendar. Akha Teej is another name for Akshaya Tritiya. Akshay refers to something that never decays or perishes. It is believed that auspicious shopping or auspicious work on Akshaya Tritiya always increases life’s growth. On Akshaya Tritiya, there is no lack of health and wealth from doing auspicious work, charity, bathing and chanting and so on. At the same time, gold jewellery is specially purchased, especially on Akshaya Tritiya. It is believed that by purchasing gold and silver jewellery on this day, the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi remain in a person’s life, filling it with happiness, prosperity, and splendour.
According to the scriptures, Akshaya Tritiya is one of three and a half auspicious times in a year known as Abujha time. Muhurta is not taken from the Pandit to perform any auspicious work in Abuj Muhurta. On Akshaya Tritiya, all kinds of auspicious work can be done.
Fruits of Charity
According to Hindu scriptures, the fruits of charity and good deeds performed on Akshaya Tritiya are never destroyed. Getting married, purchasing gold, and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi all have special significance on Akshaya Tritiya.
According to the scriptures, ‘Na Kshaya: Iti Akshay:’ that does not decay is Akshay. Swayam Siddha or Akshay Muhurta is known as Navami (Rama Navami) of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month, Tritiya of Vaishakh Shukla Paksha, (Akshaya Tritiya) Dashami (Vijay Dashami) of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month, and Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. Among these, the third day of the Vaishakh month is the best. If Rohini Nakshatra falls on this day and is also a Wednesday, it becomes even more beneficial.
According to stories, Yudhishthira received Akshaya Patra on Akshaya Tritiya. This vessel’s speciality was that its food never ran out. It is believed that Yudhishthira used this vessel to provide food to his kingdom’s hungry and poor people. The connection between Akshaya Patra and Sthal Daan Vrat is also mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana.
According to popular belief, donations made on this day yield numerous benefits. However, this date has different meanings in different parts of the country. This date is associated with farmers’ prosperity in Odisha and Punjab, while in Bengal, there is a ritual of worshipping Ganapati and Lakshmiji on this day.
In Hinduism and Jainism, Akshaya Tritiya has a special significance. On this day, any new work can be started without hesitation. There is no need to consult the Panchang when starting a new business, purchasing a building or plot, moving into a house, purchasing jewellery, clothes, vehicles and so on. You are free to do whatever good work you want, including shopping.
Akshaya Tritiya has a long history. These are the reasons why Akshaya Tritiya is observed. Maharishi Vedvyas began writing the Mahabharat on Akshaya Tritiya itself. Ma Ganga descended from heaven to earth on Akshaya Tritiya. Ma Annapurna’s birthday is also observed on Akshaya Tritiya. On Akshaya Tritiya, giving charity to those in need is critical.
On this day, Satyug and Treta Yug are said to have begun. This date also marked the end of the Dwapar Yuga and the end of the Mahabharata war. On this day, Lord Vishnu’s male Narayan incarnation, Hayagriva, Parshuram ji, also occurred.
Rishabhdev Ji Maharaj, the first Jain founder, broke his fast with sugarcane juice on this day after years of penance.
Because Akshaya Tritiya marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer, donations of water-filled pots, fans, stands, umbrellas, melons, sugar, rice, salt, and so on are beneficial in the summer.
The tradition of food donation began on this day in Bharat, according to Jainism. It is believed that those who give food to sages achieve salvation as a result of their actions. Because King Shreyans attained Akshaya Punya by feeding Lord Adinath, this date is known as Akshaya Tritiya.
