We pray always as ‘Akshayam Param’. A+kshaya means that which won’t get diminished in quantum or value. Tritiya is the third tithi, the third day after the amavasya, during the initial phase of the Vaishakha month in our Amanta lunar calendar. Akshaya Tritiya is also one of the Pancha Mahamuhurtas, auspicious days, to do any good act.
What can be termed or treated as Akshayam, can be the question. One that has a perpetual beginning in the true sense is Akshayam. The srishti’s origin is said to be on this day of Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya. This is the beginning of the Kruta or Satya yuga. Thus, the beginning is thought of again, and the good qualities of the Kruta yuga reminisced about. It is said that ‘dharma’ was on four padas (pada also means quarter). In other words, all four parts of the dharma were present during the Kruta/Satya yuga. The three purusharthas were perfect four on four in terms of righteousness. All three aspects of manasa, vachaa, and karmana, meaning thoughts, speech, and actions, were full of justice, kindness, and fairness. Right thoughts, kind speech, and fair actions make the ideal Satya Yuga. One needs to be grand.
Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya is also Sage Parushurama’s birthday. ‘Parashu’ wielding Rama, who was the incarnation after the Matsya, Varaha, Kurma, Nrusimha, and Vamana, is highly righteousness conscious. His life illustrates his commitment to dharma and also ensures adherence to dharma to the point of forcefully enforcing it. Sage Bhrigu’s descendent and Sage Jamadagni’s son, ParashuRama, was both a scholar and a warrior. Given the current dichotomy around knowledge vs action and strategy formulation vs implementation, Parashurama was perfect in terms of ideal convergence. Perfect combination. He avenged his father’s killing, protected Amba, and mentored those who sought his guidance reverentially. On this festive day, we need to inculcate the values espoused by ParashuRama.
Accumulation results in limitations and destruction in the long run. Sharing with a caring attitude is what Akshaya Tritiya tells us. Akshaya Tritiya should mark donating one’s possessions and sharing the knowledge. Better times shall unfold, and a better world the outcome.
About the author
Dr. S. Ainavolu is a Mumbai-based teacher of Management and Tradition. Intent is NextGen’s learning and cultural education.
