>ShelfSkewed at 17:40, 5 July 2021

2021-07-05T17:40:04Z

New page

{{Short description|Annual Indian festival}}{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox holiday
| image = One Anna British-Indian coin.png
| caption = A one [[Indian anna|anna]] coin issued by the [[British India]]n government depicting [[Rishabhanatha]], the first Jain ''[[tirthankara]]'', accepting sugarcane juice from King Shreyans
|type = Hindu and Jain
|observedby = [[Hindu]], [[Jain]]
|begins = [[Vaisakha]]
|date = late April-early May
|date2020 = '''26 April''' (Sun)<ref>https://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/akshaya-tritiya/akshaya-tritiya-date-time.html?year='''2020'''</ref> IST, '''25 April''' (Sat) EDT
|date2021 = 14 May (Fri)<ref>https://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/akshaya-tritiya/akshaya-tritiya-date-time.html?year=2021</ref>
|celebrations = 1 day
|observances = prayers, distribution of sugarcane juice and festive foods, buying gold
|frequency = annual
}}
'''Akshaya Tritiya''', also known as '''Akti''' or '''Akha Teej''', is an annual [[Hinduism|Hindu]] and [[Jain]] spring festival.<ref>{{cite web |title=Akshaya Tritiya 2017: Here is Why it is of significance in Hinduism and reason behind people buying Gold on this day!|date=28 April 2017|website=NewsGram |url=https://www.newsgram.com/akshaya-tritiya-2017-here-is-why-it-is-of-significance-in-hinduism-and-reason-behind-people-buying-gold-on-this-day/}}</ref> It falls on the third ''tithi'' (lunar day) of the bright half (''Shukla Paksha'') of the month of Vaisakha. It is regionally observed as an auspicious day by Hindus and Jains in India and Nepal,<ref name="Gupte">[[#Gupte|Gupte 1994]], p. 5</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/65 65]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> as it signifies the "third day of unending prosperity".<ref name=joseph135>{{cite book|author=P. M. Joseph|title=Jainism in South India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vHnXAAAAMAAJ| year= 1997|publisher= International School of Dravidian Linguistics|isbn=978-81-85692-23-4|pages=135–136}}</ref>

The festival's date varies and is set according to the lunisolar [[Hindu calendar]]. It falls in April or May of every year in the [[Gregorian calendar]].<ref name="Singh2015p39">{{cite book|author=K V Singh|title=Hindu Rites and Rituals: Origins and Meanings|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uzoHCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT39 |year=2015|publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-93-85890-04-8|pages=39–40}}</ref>

== Meaning ==
In Sanskrit, the word ''akshaya'' (अक्षय्य) means "never decreasing" in the sense of "prosperity, hope, joy, success", while ''tritiya'' means "third phase of the moon".<ref>A.A. Macdonell, [http://dsalsrv02.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/macdonell_query.py?qs=अक्षय&searchhws=yes Akshaya], A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary</ref><ref name=joseph135/> It is named after the third lunar day of the spring month of [[Vaisakha]] in the [[Hindu calendar]], when it is observed.<ref name="Singh2015p39"/>

==Hindu tradition==
[[File:One of Srikrishna's Miracles.jpg|thumb|362x362px|[[Krishna]] presents [[Draupadi]] with [[Akshaya Patra]] on Akshaya Tritiya during the exile of the [[Pandava]]s to the forest.|left]] The day is considered auspicious by Hindus and Jains in many regions of India for new ventures, marriages, expensive investments such as gold or other property, and any new beginnings. It is also a day of remembrance for the loved ones who have died.<ref name=gupte5/> The day is regionally significant for women, married or unmarried, who pray for the well being of the men in their lives or the one they may in future get engaged to. After prayers, they distribute germinating gram (sprouts), fresh fruits and Indian sweets.<ref name=gupte5>{{cite book|author=B. A. Gupte|title=Hindu Holidays and Ceremonials: With Dissertations on Origin, Folklore and Symbols|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_FSWKWzNSagC&pg=PA5|year=1994|publisher=Asian Educational Services|isbn=978-81-206-0953-2|pages=5–6}}</ref><ref name="Singh2015p39"/> If Akshaya Tritiya falls on a Monday ([[Rohini (nakshatra)|Rohini]]), the festival is believed to be even more auspicious.<ref name="Singh2015p39"/> Fasting, charity and helping others on this day is another festive practice.<ref name="Melton2011p18"/>

[[File:PORBADAR-SUDAMA AND HIS WIFE.jpg|thumb|right|140px|[[Sudama]] Temple, and Sandipani Shri Hari Mandir in [[Porbandar]].<ref>[https://porbandar.gujarat.gov.in/tourist-places/sudama-temple Sudama Temple in Porbandar][https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g635748-d2008977-Reviews-Sudama_Temple-Porbandar_Porbandar_District_Gujarat.html][https://sandipani.org/shri-hari-mandir/about-the-mandir/]</ref>]]
Very important, and related to the name of the festival itself, is the presentation of the ''[[Akshaya Patra]]'' to [[Draupadi]] by Lord [[Krishna]] during the visit of numerous saintly guests, including the sage [[Durvasa]]. During their exile in the forest, the [[Pandava]] princes were famished due to the lack of food, and their wife Draupadi was pained by this because she could not extend the customary hospitality to their guests. [[Yudhishthira]], who was the eldest, prayed to Lord [[Surya]], who gave him this bowl, which would remain full till Draupadi served all of their guests. During Sage Durvasa's visit, Lord Krishna made this bowl invincible for Draupadi so that the magical bowl called ''Akshaya Patra'' would always remain full with food of their choice, even as to satiate the whole universe if required.<ref>[https://www.indiavideo.org/text/origin-akshaya-tritiya-1574.php Descent of Ganges from heaven] and [[Akshaya Patra]]</ref>

Akshaya Tritiya is believed by Hindus to be the birthday of [[Parasurama]], who was the sixth [[avatar]] of [[Vishnu]]. He is revered in [[Vaishnava]] temples.<ref name=gupte5/> Those who observe it in honor of Parasurama sometimes refer to the festival as ''Parasurama Jayanti''.<ref name="Melton2011p18">{{cite book|author=J. Gordon Melton|title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC&pg=PA18|year=2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-206-7|pages=18–20}}</ref> Alternatively, some focus their reverence on [[Vāsudeva]] (Krishna), the eighth avatar of Vishnu.<ref name="Singh2015p39"/>

According to one legend, [[Veda Vyasa]] began reciting the Hindu epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'' to [[Ganesha]] on Akshaya Tritiya. Another legend states that the river [[Ganges]] descended to earth on this day.<ref name="Melton2011p18"/> Very significantly, the [[Yamunotri|Yamunotri Temple]] and [[Gangotri|Gangotri Temple]] are opened on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya during the [[Chota Char Dham]] pilgrimage, after closing down during the heavy snowfall-laden winters of the [[Himalaya]]n regions. The temples are opened on ''Abhijit Muhurat'' of Akshaya Tritya.<ref>[https://chardham.euttaranchal.com/opening-closing-dates.php Gangotri and Yamunotri temples open on Akshay Tritiya][https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gangotri-and-yamunotri-open-on-akshay-tritiya-with-1st-prayers-on-pm-narendra-modi-s-behalf/story-y2tJi0hH05taFaonbbOEoI.html][https://www.bhaskar.com/jeevan-mantra/news/gangotri-yamunotri-dham-kapat-opened-in-the-auspicious-time-for-akshaya-tritiya-21-people-attended-127247410.html][https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttarakhand/dehradun/doli-left-for-gangotri-dham-the-doors-of-gangotri-yamunotri-will-be-opened-in-abhijeet-muhurta/articleshow/75383535.cms][https://panchang.astrosage.com/panchang/abhijitmuhurat?language=hi Abhijit Muhurat][https://www.sacredyatra.com/yamunotri-opening-and-closing-dates.html][https://www.sacredyatra.com/gangotri-closing-and-opening-dates.html]</ref>
[[File:Gangotri temple in Uttarakhand..jpg|thumb|right|160px|[[Yamunotri|Yamunotri Temple]] and [[Gangotri|Gangotri Temple]] are opened on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.]]

Another significant event that is believed to have occurred on this day is [[Sudama]]'s visit to his childhood friend, Lord [[Krishna]] in [[Dwarka]], when he received unlimited wealth as a boon.

Also, it is believed that Kubera received position as the god of wealth on this auspicious day.<ref>{{cite web|title=Akshay Tritiya|url=https://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/festival-calendars/information/akshaya-tritiya/|publisher=Ganesha Speaks}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Significance of Akshaya Tritiya|url=https://givegita.com/akshaya-tritiya/|publisher=Gaurannga Institute for Vedic Education (GIVEGITA)}}</ref>

In [[Odisha]], Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated during the commencement of the sowing of [[rice paddy]] for the ensuing [[Kharif]] season. The day starts with ritual worship of [[Earth goddess|mother Earth]], the [[oxen|bullocks]], other traditional farm equipment and seeds by the farmers for the blessings of a good harvest. After ploughing the fields, the farmers sow paddy seeds as the symbolic start for the most important Kharif crop of the state. This ritual is called ''Akhi Muthi Anukula'' (Akhi- Akshaya Tritiya; Muthi- fistful of paddy; Anukula- commencement or inauguration) and is celebrated with much fanfare throughout the state. In recent years, the event has received much publicity due to ceremonial ''Akhi Muthi Anukula'' programs organized by farmers' organizations and political parties. The construction of chariots for the [[Ratha Yatra]] festivities of Jagannath Temple also commences on this day at [[Puri]].<ref name="Singh2015p39"/><ref>{{cite web|title=It's Akshayya Tritiya today |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1834020/report-it-s-akshaya-tritiya-today|publisher=DNAIndia|access-date=May 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Akshaya Tritiya Significance |url=http://www.tourismonline.in/akshaya-tritiya/ |publisher=TourismOnlineIn |access-date=April 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509092101/http://www.tourismonline.in/akshaya-tritiya/ |archive-date=9 May 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In the Telugu-speaking states of [[Telangana]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]], the festival is associated with prosperity, and women purchase [[gold]] and [[jewellery]].<ref>[https://www.livemint.com/industry/retail/jewellery-industry-heading-for-second-consecutive-sales-washout-on-akshaya-tritiya-11620740973467.html ]</ref>
[[Simhachalam]] temple observes special festive rituals on this day. The main deity of the temple is covered in [[sandalwood]] paste for the rest of the year, and only on this day are the layers of sandalwood applied to the deity removed to show the underlying statue. Display of the actual form or ''Nija Roopa Darsanam'' happens on this day.<ref>[https://www.livemint.com/industry/retail/jewellery-industry-heading-for-second-consecutive-sales-washout-on-akshaya-tritiya-11620740973467.html ]</ref>

==Jain tradition==
[[File:Photo of lord adinath bhagwan at kundalpur.JPG|thumb|left|[[Rishabhanatha|Lord Rishabhdev]], believed to have lived over a million years ago, is considered the founder of [[Jain philosophy]] in the present [[Avasarpini]].|240x240px]]
[[File:Lord Rishabhdeva and King Shreyans.jpg|thumb|King Shreyans offering sugarcane juice to [[Rishabhanatha]]|267x267px]]
In [[Jainism]], Akshaya Tritiya commemorates the first [[Tirthankara]], ([[Rishabhanatha|Lord Rishabhdev]]), ending his one-year [[asceticism]] by consuming sugarcane juice poured into his cupped hands. Some Jains refer to the festival as ''Varshi Tapa''.<ref name="Melton2011p18"/> Fasting and ascetic austerities are marked by Jains, particularly at pilgrimage sites such as [[Palitana]] (Gujarat).<ref name="Melton2011p18"/>

On this day, people who observe the year-long alternative day fasting known as ''varshi-tap'' finish their ''[[tapasya]]'' by doing parana (drinking [[sugarcane]] juice).<ref>{{cite web |title=Hindus and Jains celebrate Akshaya Tritiya for their own reasons |url=http://www.merinews.com/article/hindus-and-jains-celebrate-akshaya-tritiya-for-their-own-reasons/15885447.shtml |publisher=Merinews |access-date=May 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612070911/http://www.merinews.com/article/hindus-and-jains-celebrate-akshaya-tritiya-for-their-own-reasons/15885447.shtml |archive-date=12 June 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Panchangam]]
* [[Panjika]]d
* [[Vaisakhi]]
* [[Visakha Puja]], in [[Buddhism]]
* [[Yamunotri|Yamunotri Temple]]
* [[Gangotri|Gangotri Temple]]

== References ==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Sources===
* {{citation |last=Gupte|first=B.A. |title=Hindu Holidays and Ceremonials|year=1994|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_FSWKWzNSagC&q=akshaya+tritiya&pg=PA5 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |location=Delhi |isbn=81-206-0953-0|ref=Gupte}} (AES reprint).

{{Jainism topics}}
{{Hindudharma}}
{{Hindu festivals}}

[[Category:Hindu holy days]]
[[Category:Jain festivals]]
[[Category:April observances]]
[[Category:May observances]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals in India]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]

Akshaya Tritiya - Revision history

>ShelfSkewed at 17:40, 5 July 2021