All that you wanted to know about Akshaya Tritiya, also some myths busted!

Akshaya Tritiya, one of the most revered and auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by Hindus across the world. It is believed that any good karma performed on this day will bring eternal benefits and fortune. The word "Akshaya" means "eternal" or "indestructible," while "Tritiya" refers to the third day of the Shukla Paksha, in the Hindu month of Vaishakha.

According to Hindu texts and ancient history:

Akshaya Tritiya has a significant place in various events and incidents:

• On this day Devi Annapurna was born
• The day is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Sage Parashurama, the sixth manifestation of Lord Vishnu
• Shri Krishna granted riches to his childhood friend Sudama, who showed exceptional generosity even in times of dire need
• This festivity signifies the day when Shri Ganesha and Rishi Ved Vyas commenced writing the Mahabharata
• The river Ganges descended from the heavenly realm to the mortal world

The significance of Akshay tritiya

While buying gold has become a popular tradition associated with Akshaya Tritiya in recent times, the 'real and original' reason for celebrating this day is to perform good karma and attain eternal benefits. 

In Jainism, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated to commemorate Bhagwaan Adinatha.

The story of Raja Pareekshit... did Kaliyuga, who resides in gold, make the gold crown wearing King disrespect a Rishi?

It was the end of Dwapara Yuga. One day King Pareekshita saw Rishi Shameeka in the forest and asked him a question. The Rishi did not answer as he was observing a vow of silence. Pareekshit had been traveling for a long time and was exhausted, hungry, and thirsty. Offended, Pareekshit in a temporary lapse of judgment due to hunger and exhaustion, put a dead snake around the Rishi's shoulders and left. Later, when the Rishi's son Shrungi found out about this, enraged he cursed Raja Pareekshita to die of the bite of  Takshak Naag (snake), within seven days. 

When back in his palace, Pareekshit realized his blunder and woefully repented. He accepted the curse with humility and used the last seven days of his life to listen to Bhagavatam and attain Moksha. This is why 'Bhagavata Saptaahas' is still done to this day. If we listen to Bhagavatam with as much bhakti (devotion) as King Pareekshita, then perhaps, we too can attain Moksha like him!

Note: later versions of the above incident mention Kaliyug influencing Raja Pareekshit, via his gold crown, to disrespect the Rishi. Thus discouraging some people to enjoy and celebrated the festival fully. However, no such thing is mentioned in the Ved Vyas Mahabharata, which is given the status of itihas (history) by our ancient sages. Hence one can and must celebrate with aplomb and buy gold without any fear on this auspicious day. #myth

Seva and Daan

On Akshaya Tritiya, we must focus on performing good deeds, such as seva and daan. Seva refers to serving those who are needy or those who are sages. Daan is often confused with charity but they are not the same. Daan is done of something that you hold dear and is precious to you. So precious that that it might even hurt to part ways with. It does not refer to getting rid of old, used discarded items. While that might help the needy in some way, it is more of a way for one to get rid of things (like kabadi) and does not qualify as daan.

Daan needs sankalpa (pledge), bhakti (devotion), and humility as well. Akshaya Tritiya is a day to remember that seva and daan are sources of eternal benefits and fortune.

The benefit of buying gold on Akshay Tritiya

At the same time the significance of buying gold and other precious metals cannot be set aside, there is great significance of that as well. In Hindu culture, gold is symbolic of wealth and prosperity and it is considered pure and auspicious. Doing good karma on this day multiplies the benefits, whether it is seva, daan, or prayer. The same applies to the purchase of gold.

• Religious Significance: Akshaya Tritiya is a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. Any good deed or investment done on this day will bring prosperity and good luck. Therefore, buying gold on this day is a popular practice believed to bring blessings from the divine.
• Cultural Significance: In Indian culture, gold is considered a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and status. So why not buy it on an auspicious day like Akshaya Tritiya. This is a cultural practice followed for generations. Also, it is viewed as a way of preserving one's wealth and passing it on to future generations.
• Jewellery and fashion: Many jewellers offer unique and exclusive designs on Akshaya Tritiya, which are not available at other times of the year. This makes it a perfect opportunity to buy jewellery that is both fashionable and valuable. Jewellery brings joy any time of the year and more so on auspicious days.
• Investment: Gold is a valuable asset that can act as a hedge against inflation and economic instability. Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is seen as a wise investment decision by many, as it is believed to yield good returns in the long run. 
• Insurance against bad times: Gold is a highly liquid asset, which means that it can easily be converted into cash in times of need. In case of an emergency, when one needs money urgently, gold can be sold or pledged for a loan. This can be especially useful during times of financial hardship or economic instability. Therefore, buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya can be seen as a way of insuring oneself against bad times, as it provides a valuable asset that can be easily converted into cash when needed.

Overall, buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is seen as a way of combining religious, cultural, and investment values, which makes it a highly significant and auspicious day in Indian culture. On this day people purchase silver, books, and utensils as well.

Akshaya Tritiya is a significant day that reminds us of the importance of performing good deeds to attain eternal benefits and fortune. Buying gold is a popular and exciting tradition of this day, the day also celebrates good karma and the eternal benefits they bring.