Are
you doing anything special today? Asked one of my colleague. No, not really
but, what is so special about today? I asked. Today is Akshaya Tritiya, which
is supposed to be an auspicious time to start any new ventures, businesses, work
and even buy gold' Explained my friend.
I
became curious about this Akshaya Triti, did a bit of research, and came up
with some interesting information and historical incidents. Firstly, a tithi is
a lunar day, the time it takes for the longitudinal angle between the Moon and
the Sun to increase by 12°. Tithi plays an important role along with nakshatra
in Hindus' daily as well as special activities in selecting the
muhurta.Nakshatra refers to a Star and muhurta is the time or the auspicious
time.
So,
people in Vedic culture of Eastern tradition, follow astrology based on lunar calendar
to do anything important or significant in life which means, starting a new
job, wedding, naming ceremony, new business, buying some property etc.
Thus,
Akshaya Triti (Today in India and for Australia - tomorrow), falls on the third
Tithi (lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of the pan-Indian month of
Vaishakha and one of the four most important days for Hindus. I wondered why?
Some
of the reasons or explanations that found are,
Because,
it is an auspicious day of the birthday of Lord Parasurama who is the sixth
incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
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| Took this Photo during my trip few weeks ago at Murwillumbah, NSW |
On
this same day, about 5000 years ago on this day Veda Vyas began to write Mahabharata,
which turned out to be a huge book of 100,000 verses. He wanted a suitable
personality - a Scribe to pen this epic volume. He requested Lord Ganesh to
take up this task of writing. Ganesh agreed on one condition that, he would
write as long as there is no break to the flow of words being spoken. Veda
Vyasa agreed to the condition but, himself put a condition that Whatever Ganesh
writes, he should do so, only after comprehending the full meaning of the
verse. This way, whenever he needed some break, Vyasadev would throw some
tricky verse and before Ganesh realise the meaning, he would start his dictation
again.
The
word "Akshay" in sanskrit means-inexhaustible, and the day is
believed to bring good luck and success. On the same day, in Mahabharata it is
mentioned that a wonderful vessel called Akshaya Patra was given to Yudhishthira
by the Lord surya which held a never-failing supply of food to the Pandavas
every day. The Sun God, who gave the vessel advised Pandavas that the vessel
will remain with them for next 12 years and will supply continuous supply of
food in a day, till Draupadi takes her share of food for the day. What happens
after Draupadi takes her share? Of course, there is a wonderful pastime
mentioned in Mahabharata where, Duryodhana tricks the ever angry sage Durvasa
and his thousands disciples to visit pandavas who are living in the forest with
bare necessities. And, when Durvasa reaches Pandavas hermitage and informs them
that he is going to take bath in the nearby river and along with will be coming
to have lunch at their place. By then, Draupadi already had her share of food
for the day and the vessel will not give any more for the day. She desperately
calls out and prays to Krishna, who immediately appears but to her dismay asks
her for something to eat. Really, are you joking Krishna? Exclaims Draupadi. But,
Krishna convinces her to look at the vessel for any piece of food that is
remaining. Draupadi goes to see, finds few food grains, and offers it to
Krishna with great hesitation. Lord Krishna happily eats the food grains and
the moment he eats them, Durvasa and all his disciple who had a bath in the
river and just finished their morning rites suddenly felt their stomachs full,
as if they had a heavy lunch.Durvasa fearing the wreath of fiery Bheema, hastily
left the place because, they became afraid that they will not be able to honor
the Prasad or food that will be offered to them and which inturn might make the
hosts, especially Bheema angry and displeased.
Thus,
it is considered lucky and auspicious to do charity on this day.
Akshaya
Tritiya is also considered as the first day of the Start of Satya Yuga. Also,
on this day both the planets Sun and Moon are exalted at the same time,
providing beneficial effects.
There
is also the story of Sudama Brahmana,who visited his childhood friend Lord
Krishna on this same day to ask for some help, becasue he was poor and unable
to feed his family.Lord Krishna was so happy to see his friend, received him
and treated him with utmost respect and fed him nice meals. After all this,
Sudama became hesitant and shy to ask his friend for the help. But, Lord
Krishna asked Sudama, what he had brought for him. He saw Sudama was trying to
hide puffed rice tied in a cloth. He took it forcibly and had few morsels of
the puffed rice. Finally, Sudama returned to his place, without asking anything
from Krishna. However, Lord Krishna who is the Super Soul of all the living
beings became satisfied by the puffed rice and even though Sudama did not ask
for anything verbally, Sudama’s home instantly turned into a beautiful palace.
There was beautiful furniture inside and treasure chests, filled with gold and
jewels. There was food on the tables, delicious sweets, and wonderful drinks.
Sudama’s family’s rags turned into robes fit for royalty.
So
friends, that is about the Akshaya Triti.By the way, In India today is this
special day, In Australia it is tomorrow and USA probably not finished.
You
can check by entering your place,
http://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/akshaya-tritiya/akshaya-tritiya-date-time.html?l=21376&year=2017.
People
in India generally buy gold because, the belief is that anything done on this
day keeps growing.Akshya. And, also try to do some good things, start any new
work, new business, buying etc. By the way, as per Indian lunar calendar
Akshaya Triti is one of those 3 days, on which you can do anything (good) and
the results will be auspicious, no need to check anything else. Good Luck and
have a Good weekend.
