Akshaya Tritiya is considered one of the auspicious days for starting any new venture, conducting marriage or purchasing gold or property. Also known as Akha Teej, the Akshaya Tritiya festival falls on the third tithi of the bright half of the Vaisakha month, as per the Hindu calendar. Akshaya Tritiya 2023 will be celebrated on April 22, 2023.
The word Akshaya refers to ‘never decreasing’ in the sense of ‘prosperity, hope, joy, success’, whereas the word Tritiya means ‘third phase of the moon’. On this day, people engage in fasting, charity and helping others. People also perform the Akshaya Tritiya Puja according to the auspicious muhurat. It is believed that performing the Akshaya Tritiya puja at home invites health, wealth, and prosperity to the family.
Here’s a simple way to perform the Akshaya Tritiya Puja at home.
Akshaya Tritiya Puja: Significance
Akshaya Tritiya is observed as the birth anniversary of Lord Parshuram, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Moreover, according to the Hindu belief, Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious day as Lord Kuber received the blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma and acquired a new kingdom known as Alkapuri. Thus, on this day, people purchase gold ornaments and properties in the name of Lord Kober as it is considered a holy day.
Akshaya Tritiya Pujan Vidhi
People observe fast on Akshaya Tritiya and get ready early in the morning and wear yellow clothes. If possible, one can take a dip in a sacred river, which is regarded as auspicious. Start the day by offering arghya (water to the Sun god), performing dhyana (Meditation) and sankalpa (pledge to conduct the puja wholeheartedly and with complete devotion). Purify the house, and puja altar, by sprinkling Gangajal.
- In the puja room, place the idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on a wooden chowki covered with yellow cloth.
- If you have purchased any expensive item, such as gold or silver, keep it near the deities.
- Prepare a paste of sandalwood powder and rose water. Apply the tilak on the deities’ idols.
- Prepare a Kalash. Apply some turmeric on it and make a Swastika mark using sindoor. Fill the kalash with water, add some turmeric and kumkum and a few currency coins. Put a bunch of mango leaves to the kalash, with the leaves facing upward. Now, keep a whole coconut with its husk on the neck of the Kalash. Place the Kalash gently on the chowki.
- Light incense and ghee or oil lamp. Settle on a yellow seat.
- Begin chanting the mantra ‘Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha’ for Lord Ganesh. Seek the god’s blessings by offering water, akshat, flowers, kalava, janeu, fruits and dakshina.
- Chant ‘Shreem’ for Goddess Lakshmi. Recite texts associated with Lord Vishnu such as Vishnu Sahasranama or Vishnu Chalisa. Offer prayers, water, akshat, and mauli to the deities.
- Offer janeu to Lord Vishnu and sindoor to Goddess Lakshmi. Offer chandan, flowers, incense sticks and Tulsi to Lord Vishnu and a lotus to Goddess Lakshmi, during the puja.
- Prepare bhog (naiveidhya) at home with ingredients such as milk, rice or dal, and offer it to the deities.
- Perform the aarti at home along with the family members.
- Distribute the prasad to all the members.
Akshaya Tritiya Puja 2024 Muhurat
Date: May 10, 2024
Day: Friday
Muhurat: 5:48 AM to 12:23 PM
What to eat on Akshaya Tritiya?
Many people observe fast on Akshaya Tritiya. However, fasting does not imply that one has to remain hungry throughout the day. According to some tradition, people eat rice and moong dal khichadi on this day.
There are certain food items that can be consumed during fasting. Some of these include:
- Puranpoli
- Shrikhand
- Malpua
- Modak
- Chakli
- Gujiya
- Aval payasam (south Indian dessert)
FAQs
Which god to worship on Akshaya Tritiya?
On this day, people worship Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi and god of wealth Kuber. Akshaya Tritiya is also known as Parasurama Jayanti, the birthday of the sixth avatar of the god Vishnu.
Why is Lord Vishnu worshipped on Akshaya Tritiya?
Worshipping Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi on Akshaya Tritiya is believed to remove all sorrows and sufferings and brings happiness and abundance in life.
What to offer to god on Akshaya Tritiya?
According to the traditions, Tulsi leaves soaked in water are offered to the deities. One can offer barley, wheat, sesame seeds, chana dal and kheer.
What daan to give on Akshaya Tritiya?
On Akshaya Tritiya, donating betel nuts brings fortune, wealth and prosperity.
What not to do on Akshaya Tritiya?
According to popular belief, one should not leave any room dark on Akshaya Tritiya. One should not return empty-handed when going shopping. Also, one should not break a fast on Akshaya Tritiya if they have been keeping one for a long time.
See also: Is Akshaya Tritiya good for Griha Pravesh? Find out Akshaya Tritiya 2024 date and time