Akshay Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a revered and auspicious day celebrated by Hindus and Jains across India and Nepal. Observed on the third lunar day (Tritiya) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Vaisakha (April–May), it holds deep cultural, religious, and spiritual significance. This year, Akshay Tritiya will be celebrated on April 30, 2025.
History of Akshay Tritiya
The word Akshay in Sanskrit means 'imperishable,' 'eternal,' or 'that which never diminishes.' Tritiya refers to the third day. Mythologically, this day marks several significant events:
Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is believed to have been born on this day.
According to the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna gifted the Akshaya Patra (a magical vessel that provided endless food) to the Pandavas during their exile, ensuring they never ran out of sustenance.
It is also said that Ved Vyasa began composing the Mahabharata on Akshay Tritiya, with Lord Ganesha acting as his scribe.
In Jain tradition, Tirthankara Rishabhanatha is believed to have ended his year-long fast by drinking sugarcane juice, an event commemorated as Akshay Tritiya by the Jain community.
These rich mythological connections have firmly established Akshay Tritiya as a day when good deeds multiply and blessings become everlasting.
Significance of Akshay Tritiya
Akshay Tritiya is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, a day when no "muhurta" (specific time) is needed for starting new ventures. Traditionally, it is believed that activities and investments made on this day will multiply and bring success.
Some key reasons for its significance include:
1. New beginnings: Many people start new businesses, construction projects, or important ventures on Akshay Tritiya.
2. Purchasing gold: Buying gold on this day is a popular tradition, symbolizing lasting wealth and prosperity. Gold bought on Akshay Tritiya is believed to never diminish and brings good fortune.
3. Spiritual practices: Devotees engage in acts of charity, temple visits, meditation, and reading scriptures, believing that good deeds done on this day yield eternal rewards.
4. Marriages: Akshay Tritiya is often chosen for weddings, as it is believed that marriages solemnised on this day are blessed with eternal bliss.
Akshay Tritiya shubh muhurat
This year, Akshay Tritiya will be observed on April 30, 2025. Although, this day is said to have no shubh muhurat and the entire day is is considered auspicious, according to Drikpanchang, Tritiya Tithi Begins at 05:31 PM on Apr 29, 2025 and Tritiya Tithi Ends on 02:12 PM on Apr 30, 2025.
Beyond the buying of gold or material wealth, Akshay Tritiya reminds us of the eternal nature of good karma, spirituality, and charity. It is a day that encourages growth not only in fortune but also in compassion and inner strength.
