Acknowledgements

First and foremost, I would dedicate this book to my guru Srila Prabhupad without whose

spiritual guidance and enlightening thoughts I would not have been able to write this book.I

would also like to thank my parents who always encouraged me to be the version of myself.Also

I would like extend my gratitude to my husband who motivated me to do something new.

Table of contents

1. Introduction

2. What is Akshaya Tritiya?

3. When does Akshaya Tritiya occur as per hindu calender?

4. What is the significance of Akshaya Tritiya?

5. Which incidences occurred on Akshaya Tritiya?

6. What austerities should one perform on Akshaya Tritiya?

7. Conclusion

8. References
Introduction

The day of Akshaya Tritiya is a highly auspicious day - there is no inauspiciousness to be found

on this day, therefore even checking the muhurthas is regarded as unnecessary, so auspicious is

it. Whatever you do for the devotees and for Krsna, you will attain a higher benefit, an

everlasting benefit that will therefore never be perished.

Every year, on the third lunar day of the waxing phase of the month of Vaisakha, Akshaya

Tritiya, also known as Akshaya Teej or Parashuraam Jayanti, is being celebrated.

Akshaya, literally means, that which can never be depleted, or diminished or that which lasts

forever.

It is even more significant if it happens to fall on a Monday with the coincidence of Rohini

Nakshatra. Any austerity, any charity, any attempt to gain spiritual knowledge on this day has a

perpetual impact.
Some noteworthy incidents have taken place on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya.

1. Appearance of Lord Parasurama.

2. Occasion of the appearance of Mother Ganga

3. Starting of the chandan yatra (the sun is positioned exactly above our head for 21 days

and thus the chandan yatra is continued for the same period).
4. The supreme personality of the Godhead Krishna gives Draupadi the akshay patra.
The third day of the luminous and vivacious fortnight of vaishaakha is the day of the incarnation

and manifestation of Lord Vishnu as PARSURAMA. On this day, the deity is adorned with an

axe, which portrays the Lord in a heroic pose.

GANGA DEVI also descended to earth on this day. Many widespread people perform a special

puja on on this day. People take shower in a holy river, they perform japa and offer barley in a

sacred fire, in addition to offering barley preparations to the deity.

Since the Pandavas were apprehensive about how to feed the 'brahmanas' who travelled with

them in the forest, Srimati Draupadi Devi received a pot from the sun god called Aksayapatra.

This pot would never be empty until Draupadi had consumed her meal and turned the pot upside

down. Once Draupadi had completed cooking and had just eaten her meal when DURVASA

MUNI arrived with several of his disciples.

The angry sage Durvasa and his disciples had been secretly invited to go to the place by the

Kauravasas, who knew that Draupadi would then eat her meal and that if she was unable to offer

them something to eat, she would incur Durvasa's wrath. Durvasa and his disciples went to the

river to wash and refresh themselves before consuming their meal. Draupadi, filled with anxiety,

prayed to Lord Krsna to help her. Lord Sri Krsna then told Draupadi that if there was a morsel of

food left, He would be satisfied if it was offered by Draupadi, His pure devotee with love for

Him.
Seeing a snippet of spinach clinging to the side of the pot, Krsna demanded it, Draupadi then

offered it to Krsna and, merely by eating that morsel, all the men of Durvasa and Durvasa

Himself became totally satiated and satisfied and, out of embarrassment, they slipped away and

did not come and ask Draupadi for a meal as the sinful Duryodhana had made them do.
What is Akshaya Tritiya?

Akshaya Tritiya, which is one of the most prominent days in the Vedic calendar. Akshaya Tritiya is the

day of the appearance of Lord Parasurama and is as well the day on which the Ganges descended to the

earth. While most devotees are familiar with it as the commencement of the Candana-yatra, in actual

fact many other pastimes of Lord Krishna also took place on this day, especially those that highlight

Krishna's kind and profound mutuality towards His devotees.

The word Akshaya signifies 'that which never dwindles'. Any service or charity that is performed

on this day will be repaid many times over. On that day, Sudama also gave the Lord a tiny

portion of chipped rice and was reciprocated with unfathomable opulence. Draupadi was

protected by Krishna twice on this day, once when he furnished her with an unlimited sari at the

dice game in exchange for a tiny piece of cloth, and later, when he needed to provide Durvasa

muni with food, the Lord took a single grain from her pot and satiated the hunger of all the sages.
"If the devotee offers something to the Lord, he acts for his own interest, because whatever a

devotee offers to the Lord is returned in a million-fold amount. One does not become a loser

by donating to the Lord, but one gains a millionfold."

Akshaya means comprehensive, unending and eternal or that which will never perish. Akshaya

Tritiya is performed on the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha (vaisakha-

sukla-paksa-tritiya). This day is regarded as the most auspicious day to begin a new venture. This

day also provides limitless spiritual credit for charitable activities that not only benefits oneself

and one's family, but also one's ancestors. It is the day on which the great sage Srila Vyasadeva

began to compose the Mahabarata, which contains the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Offering oblations

to ancestors, donating the Bhagavad Gita to charity, Annadana, Godhana, feeding cows are the

prescribed actions for Akshaya Tritiya.

Akshya Tritiya, one of the most significant days in the Vedic calendar. Akshaya signifies

'imperishable' or 'that which never diminishes'. But in more recent times, the general idea in

India is to buy gold or property or to start new businesses, and this is indeed true. But

unfortunately we have neglected an equally important aspect of Askshya Tritiya: donate, give

back, give charity. It is traditionally said that charity done during Askshya Tritiya remains

'Akshaya', everlasting and eternal.

Every year, the construction of the enormous Rath carts in Puri also commences on this day.

Most devotees are familiar with it as the beginning of the Chandan-yatra. It is the same day that

Srila Madhavendra Puri applied sandalwood paste on Khira-chora Gopinatha.

On this day, Sudama offered the Lord a tiny portion of broken rice and was later rewarded with

inconceivable opulence.
Draupadi was protected by Lord Krishna twice on this day, once when he provided her with an

unlimited sari at the dice game in exchange for a tiny piece of cloth, and later, when she needed

to provide Durvasa muni with food, the Lord took a single grain of rice from her pot and satiated

the hunger of all the sages.Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, received the famous akshaya-

patra from Lord Krishna on this very day.

The Treta-yuga starts on this day.

To liberate people from their sins, Mother Ganges touched the earth for the first time on this day.

It is also the day of the appearance of Lord Parasurama.

The sage Vyasadeva started writing the epic of the Mahabharata on this auspicious day for the

welfare of all people in general, including women and children.

Indian culture expects householders to distribute sweets to others on the occasion of akshaya-

tritiya. Householder devotees can take this great opportunity to sponsor the distribution of

prasada on this special day.

Akshaya-tritiya is a very auspicious day because even the slightest religious practice or

devotional service performed on this day grants endless blessings.

For several reasons, grihasthas may be unable to do it daily, but if they distribute the prasada on

the auspicious day of akshaya-tritiya, they will definitely get inexhaustible benefits.
When does Akshaya Tritiya appear as per hindu calendar?

Akshaya Tritiya is observed on the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha

(vaisakha sukla paksa tritiya). Aksaya (Sanskrit) means inexhaustible, that which never

deteriorates. It is deemed to be the most auspicious day to commence a new undertaking or

venture.
Akshaya signifies complete, infinite and endless or something that never perishes. Akshaya

Tritiya is celebrated on the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha (vaisakha-

sukla-paksa-tritiya). This day is regarded as the most auspicious day to commence a new

venture. This day also provides limitless spiritual credit for charitable activities that not only

benefits oneself and one's family, but also one's ancestors. It is the day on which the mighty sage

Srila Vyasadeva started composing the Mahabarata, which contains the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

Offering oblations to ancestors, giving the Bhagavad Gita to charity, Annadana, Godhana,

feeding cows are the acts that are advised as actions to be performed on Akshaya Tritiya.
What is the significance of Akshaya Tritiya?

Every year, on the third lunar day of the waxing phase of the month of Vaisakha, Akshaya

Tritiya, also known as Akshaya Teej or Parashuraam Jayanti, is celebrated.

Akshaya, which literally signifies that which can never be depleted or reduced or that which

exists perpetually.
It is more relevant if it falls on a Monday with the coincidence of Rohini Nakshatra. Any

austerity, any charity, any effort to gain spiritual knowledge on this day has a perpetual effect.

All that is being created or commenced on this auspicious day verily tends never to diminish; the

authenticity of this fact has been referred to along with the subsequent incidences in the Puranas.

1. Satya Yuga begins on this day.

2. Mother Ganga came down to this planet on this very day.

3. This day is also known as Parashuraam Jayanti, because Lord Parshuram, who is an

incarnation of the Lord himself, appeared and revealed himself on this day.
4. Maa Annapurna, who is an expansion of Parvati, appeared on this day and gave grain alms to

Mahadev.

Since then, she has been honoured as the Goddess of Inexhaustible Grains, Annapurna.

5. Lord Krishna's most beloved friend, Sudama, reached Dwaraka on this day and He gave him

akshaya opulence, not even remotely comparable to Lord Indra's wealth, in reciprocation for his

four handfuls of chipped rice (chura).

6. Duryodhana attempted to undress Draupadi on this day, but Lord Krishna provided her with

an unlimited amount of cloth when she helplessly cried out for shelter and protection from the

Lord.
7. The Sun God bestowed the Pandavas with the Akshaya patra, which had the capacity to feed

an unlimited number of people, until Draupadi had taken her meal.

8. After a long tapasya, Kubera was appointed treasurer of heaven on this day.
9. Every year in Jagannatha Puri, the making of the Lord's chariot commences on Akshaya

Tritiya day.

Lord Jagannath yatra happens in Puri every year (Source: Express Photo by Abhijit Alka)
10. On this day, Vyasadeva began to write the greatest epic, the Mahabharata.

11. The coastal area of the Konkan region from Goa to Kerala, also called Parashuraam ksetra,

appeared on this day.

Parashurama is an incarnation of Vishnu. He was born on earth to the sage Jamadagni and his

wife Renuka. Parshurama performed severe penance to seek Shiva's blessings. Pleased with his

devotion, Shiva granted the axe (Parsha) to Parshurama.

Once upon a time there was a king called Kartaviryarjuna. He wanted to violently take away the

cow Kamadhenu who was under the protection of the sage Jamadagni. Because the sage did not

allow Parshurama's brutal act, Kartaviryarjuna killed Jamadagni. When Parashurama learnt of

the fact, he understood that the autocrats were abusing their power. He then confronted

Kartaviryarjuna and killed him. He also killed the rulers who misbehaved for 21 generations.
Parashurâma fought eighteen major and three minor battles against the kshatriyas and annihilated

them all.

Thereafter, Parshurama worshipped Lord Shiva. Later, by divine order, he flung his axe into the

sea to recuperate land from the ocean as far as the axe would go. The recovered land is therefore

called 'Parashurama Kshetra' or the Land of Parshurama. This land extends from Gokarna in the

north to Suchindram in southern Kerala. In about 108 places in this land, Parshurama worshipped

Shiva. In each place, a temple was constructed.

When the elimination of the kshatriyas was finally accomplished, Parashurâma gave Kashyapa

all the land left after their deaths. From then on, new kingdoms emerged under the control of

saints and scholars and the responsibility of guiding the nation moved into the hands of

intellectuals.

With the giving of all His lands to Kashyapa and the consequent establishment of all these new

kingdoms, Parashurâma then had to get a totally new place to live. To this end Parashurâma

ordered the king of the oceans as follows: `I must create a new land for my abode. Move away

towards the West and stay as distant from my arrows' (according to some, He threw His axe).
Parashurâma then released his arrows and the ocean retreated as ordered. The land thus

recovered, stretching from Maharashtra to Kanyakumari, is known as Parashurâma-kshetra.

12. Vijay vigrahas, at the temple of Sri Jagannath Puri--- Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan, together

with Bhu Devi and Sri Devi, Sri Ram Govind (Krishna Balaram) along with 5 Shiva lingas

(Jamesvara, Kapaal Mochan, Lokanath, Markandeshvara, Neelkantheshvara Mahadev) are

carried in two boats on the Narendra Sarovar, to take a cool boat ride in the evening after the hot

days have finished for 21 continuous days.

So this day is a very wonderful opportunity for devotees, because even any small devotional

service that is done will bear everlasting fruit.

Please strive to chant more rounds, listen to more Krishna katha and absorb more reading of the

scriptures and worshipping the Lord with reverence on this day as it reaps special benefits.

From this day on, the 21-day long Chandan Yatra festival begins, in which the Lord applies

sandalwood pulp on the body as a cooling effect to get relief from the scorching summer season.

Almost all hindu temples around the world celebrate this festival with great fervor and gusto.
What events took place on the day of Akshaya Tritiya?

Akshaya Tritiya, starting of the Chandan Yatra - A day full of auspicious moments!

The word Akshaya signifies 'that which never diminishes'. Every service or charity that is

performed on this day will be rewarded in a thousand ways.

Here are some amazing moments to recount on this day:

- On this day, Sudama offered the Lord a minute serving of chipped rice and was compensated

with unfathomable opulence.

- Draupadi was also protected by Lord Krishna twice on this day, once when he provided her

with an unlimited sari at the dice game in exchange for a tiny piece of cloth, and later, when she

needed to provide Durvasa muni with food, the Lord took a single grain from her pot and

satisfied the hunger of all the sages.

- On this auspicious day, Lord Parasurama appeared.

- Ganga devi also descended to earth on this day.

- The Candana yatra begins on this auspicious day of Akshaya Trithiya, which is the third lunar

day of the waxing moon of the month of Vaisakha, and it lasts for twenty days. Since the month

of Vaisakha is very hot, the refreshing effect of sandalwood or chandan is very pleasing to the

Lord's body.
The special occasion of the Narasimha Jayanti also corresponds with the Chandan Yatra. For the

entire duration of the Chandan Yatra, Lord Narasimha's murti are abundantly covered with

sandalwood paste and special aartis and rituals are performed to appease him and to ask for his

blessings.

Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the supreme controller and is not

affected by the dualities of material existence. But devotees, out of their love, apply sandalwood

on the Lord's body.

What are the austerities to be performed during Akshaya Tritiya?

One can glorify the supreme lord who appeared as lord Parshuram

One can recite 18 chapters of Bhagwat geeta on the day of Akshaya Tritiya

One can offer olblations to the forefathers

One can distribute prasadam on this day

One can donate towards other charitable causes

 The

Supreme Lord who appeared as Parasurama, son of Jamadagni Maharsi and Srimati Renukadevi,

on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. He eradicated all the undesirable kings who were

appearing like thorns on the surface of the earth.

 Sri Jayadeva Goswami glorifies this

incarnation of the Supreme Lord as below:

knatriya-rudhira-maye jagad-apagata-pāpam

snapayasi payasi śamita-bhava-tāpam

keśava dhṛta-bhṛgupati-rūpa jaya jagadiśa hare

O Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari who have assumed the form of Bhrgupati

[Parasurama]! All glories to You! At Kuruksetra You bathe the earth in the rivers of blood from

the bodies of the demoniac ksatriyas that You have slain. The sins of the world are washed away

by You, and because of You people are relieved from the blazing fire of material existence.
On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya please chant this verse and glorify the Supreme Lord

who appeared as Lord Parashurama. Also chant the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra at least 108

times.
Recite 18 chapters of Bhagavad-gita on Akshaya Tritiya

Vyasadeva, the great sage who is the literary incarnation of the Supreme Lord, is reckoned to

have commenced composing the Mahabharata on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. The

Mahabharata is regarded as the fifth Veda and contains the Bhagavad-gita, the essence of all

Vedic literatures. It is claimed that the effects of sinful reactions in the past will not act on those

who read the Bhagavad-gita sincerely and seriously. Therefore, to get rid of the material filth that

has accumulated from our previous births, we must bathe in the holy water of the Bhagavad-gita.
On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, you should try to recite all 18 chapters of the

Bhagavad-gita. It will take almost two to three hours. Alternatively, recite at least one chapter or

verse.
Offer Oblations to the Forefathers

One should perform sraddha ceremony on the Aksaya-trtiya day. (Srimad Bhagavatam 7.14.21)

The sraddha is a Vedic ritual for offering oblations to departed souls, and even today people go

to Gaya to perform the sraddha ceremony to release their ancestors, who may be afflicted with

various kinds of sinful reactions, by offering water and food remnants to Lord Vishnu.
In the first chapter of the Bhagavad-gita, Arjuna expresses his concern that, due to fratricidal

warfare, the observance of these ritual ceremonies would be interrupted and the ancestors would

fall into infernal conditions. It is therefore very important to observe this sraddha ceremony and

it is auspicious to perform it on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.

On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya you can offer oblations to your deceased ancestors to

save them from suffering due to various kinds of sinful reactions.

Annadana – Distribute Prasadam (Spiritual Food Offered to Lord)

It is the responsibility of the hosts (grhasta) to take care of the guests. Guests are called atithi (he

who comes without invitation). Grhe satrum api praptam visvastam akutobhayam: it is said that

even if an enemy comes to one's house, one should welcome him with all regards.
Also if there are no guests, it is the responsibility of the householder to go to the street and

shout, 'If anyone is hungry, please come. Food is ready. You can have your dinner with us' and

give the guest the opportunity to come. While the Pandavas were in exile, to help them take care

of their guests, the Sun God gave them the Akshaya Patra, a miraculous vessel that could provide

an unlimited amount of food to feed any number of people, as long as Draupadi (the Pandavas'

wife) had not eaten.

In keeping with this tradition, Srila Prabhupada instructed his disciples that anyone visiting the

temple should be treated as a guest and should be provided with sumptuous Prasadam. He said:

Let the whole world come, we can feed them.

Donations for charitable purposes

It is said that purchasing gold on the day of Akshaya Tritiya will indeed make you rich.

However, according to Vedic scriptures, this is not a fact. Traditionally, rulers and the rich in

society used to perform sacrifices (yajna) and distribute their wealth to charity on these

auspicious days. Charitable activities can be performed out of compassion for the poor or to

elevate oneself spiritually.

In the Bhagavad-gita it is recommended to give charity without expectation of any return, at an

appropriate time (solar eclipse, lunar eclipse and other auspicious muhurthas such as akshaya

tritiya) and place (at a place of pilgrimage or in temples), and to a worthy person (a qualified

brahmana or a devout vaishnava). It is also said that one should never abandon yajna-dana-

tapah-karma (the prescribed duties of performing sacrifices, charity and austerities).

Conclusion

Akshay Tritiya is deemed as an auspicious day as per hindu calendar and it is recommended to

do spiritual activities on this day like reciting Bhagwata Geeta, giving charity and celebrating

this day by remembering the Parshuram incarnation of the lord. Sri Krishna reciprocated

specially with his devotees on this day and showered his real benedictions on this day. Sudama

was bestowed with unfathomable opulences and Draupadi also received the supreme personality

of Godhead on this day. Any spiritual activity performed on this day reaps special and eternal

results.

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