Akshaya Tritiya and Parashurama Jayanti

Akshaya Tritiya and the birth anniversary of Lord Parashurama will be celebrated under the Rohini Nakshatra on Monday, 20th April. In Indian culture, fasts, festivals, and sacred observances hold great importance. They infuse inspiration and vitality into our social, cultural, and spiritual lives. Our sages and seers established these observances on specific dates to guide society and prevent it from straying onto the wrong path.
According to traditional time reckoning, there are four highly auspicious “Abhijit Muhurtas” during which any task—especially auspicious ones—can be performed without hesitation. These are: Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Gudi Padwa), Akshaya Tritiya, Dussehra, and the Pradosh period before Diwali.
Akshaya Tritiya is observed on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Vaishakha. In some regions, it is also known as “Akha Teej.” The word Akshaya means that which never diminishes or perishes—something eternal. Only that which is rooted in truth can be eternal.
Every year on this day, the portals of the Badrinath Dham are opened. The virtuous deeds performed on this day—such as charity, chanting, penance, fire rituals, and bathing in the Ganga—are believed to yield everlasting (Akshaya) results. On this day in Vrindavan, devotees get the rare annual darshan of the lotus feet of Shri Banke Bihari Ji, attracting pilgrims from all over the country.
This day emphasizes performing actions that are eternal rather than those that perish. All material things—our bodies and worldly possessions—are subject to decay. However, positive thoughts, contemplation, selfless service, and spirituality remain everlasting.
Akshaya Tritiya is also a social festival. Since it is considered a self-sufficient auspicious time (Abhijit Muhurta), marriages and other auspicious ceremonies are performed without consulting additional muhurta. By understanding the essence of life, one can attain the eternal element. Our determination should be firm, our faith devoted, and our devotion to God unwavering—only then can we experience the true benefits.
Ancient scriptures such as Vishnu Dharmasutra, Matsya Purana, Narada Purana, and Bhavishya Purana describe the significance of Akshaya Tritiya in detail. Many legends are associated with this fast. It is believed that all acts of charity, bathing, chanting, penance, and rituals performed on this day yield infinite and auspicious results.
The Bhavishya Purana states that all actions performed on this day become everlasting in their effects, hence the name “Akshaya.” It is also considered the starting point of Yuga calculations, as Satya Yuga—and according to some traditions, Treta Yuga—began on this day.
On this day, donations such as water-filled pots, fans, footwear, umbrellas, cows, land, and utensils are made. From another perspective, since the summer heat is intense during this period, these items are donated to help those in need.
In Bundelkhand, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm from Akshaya Tritiya until the full moon. In Rajasthan, auspicious signs are observed for rainfall, and prayers for good rains are offered. Seven types of grains are worshipped. In the Malwa region, a new pot is worshipped with a melon and mango leaves placed on top. For farmers, this day marks the beginning of the new agricultural year, and farming activities commence. It is believed that any work started on this day leads to prosperity.
It is also believed that on this day, the incarnations of Nar-Narayan, Parashurama, and Hayagriva took place. Hence, their birth anniversaries are also celebrated. Goddess Gauri is worshipped as well. Young girls perform Gauri Puja and distribute sweets, fruits, and soaked grams. New clothes and ornaments are purchased and worn for prosperity and well-being.
Buying new land, entering a new home or institution, and starting new ventures on this day are considered highly auspicious. In some traditions, offerings made from sugarcane juice, curd, rice, milk-based dishes, melons, watermelons, and laddus are prepared and distributed. May all be auspicious.

(Dr Ashok Pandey,Spiritual Healer, Vastu Consultant and Astrologer Pune - +91-7574885030, +91- 9425006196)