Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is a highly auspicious spring festival celebrated by both Hindus and Jains. It falls on the third lunar day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Vaishakha, as per the Hindu Panchang. In 2025, this sacred festival will be observed on Wednesday, 30th April, making it even more special, as the combination of Rohini Nakshatra and Wednesday is believed to multiply its spiritual potency.

The word "Akshaya" in Sanskrit means "never diminishing," symbolizing eternal prosperity, good fortune, and unending spiritual and material benefits. Activities like charity (daan), japa, yajna, pitra tarpan, and other pious acts performed on this day are believed to yield inexhaustible results that stay with the soul forever.

Traditionally, people celebrate this day by purchasing gold, donating food and clothes, supporting education for underprivileged children, and offering seva in temples. It is also considered highly beneficial to start new ventures, invest, or make significant purchases on Akshaya Tritiya, as these are believed to bring unceasing growth and success.

Whether it is through acts of devotion, donation, or dharma, Akshaya Tritiya is the perfect day to welcome spiritual abundance and material prosperity into one’s life.

✨ Historical & Mythological Significance of Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a day steeped in rich history and profound mythology. Celebrated on the third lunar day (Tritiya) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Vaishakha month, this auspicious occasion is associated with numerous legends that underscore its spiritual importance. In 2025, Akshaya Tritiya falls on Wednesday, April 30, enhancing its significance as the combination of Rohini Nakshatra and Wednesday is considered highly auspicious.​

➥ Srila Prabhupada's Divine Leela

On Akshaya Tritiya in 1953, Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of the ISKCON, world-wide Hare Krishna Movement, established the League of Devotees in Jhansi. This initiative marked a significant step in fulfilling his spiritual master's instructions to propagate the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu worldwide.​

➥ Appearance of Lord Parashurama

The day commemorates the auspicious appearance of Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is celebrated for his mission to eradicate evil and uphold dharma, reinforcing the festival's theme of righteousness prevailing over injustice.​

➥ Commencement of Mahabharata

According to legend, Great Sage Vyasa Deva began dictating the epic Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha on Akshaya Tritiya. This collaboration led to the creation of one of the most significant texts in Hindu literature, emphasizing the day's association with wisdom and knowledge.

➥ Descent of the Ganges

Akshaya Tritiya is also linked to the descent of the sacred river Ganga to Earth. King Bhagirath performed penance for the salvation of his ancestors and pleased Lord Shiva and prayed to bring Ganga to the earth. On the day of Akshaya Tritiya, Devi Ganga appeared on earth to bless and free everyone from their Sinful activities.​

➥ Sudama's Visit to Lord Krishna

On this day, Sudama and Lord Krishna met. After seeing Sudama's selfless love, Lord Krishna was overwhelmed with love and affection for his dear friend and blessed him with eternal prosperity. Therefore this day symbolizes the pure devotional relationship between Lord and his devotees.

➥ Jain Tradition: Rishabhanatha's Fast

For Jains, Akshaya Tritiya marks the day when Lord Rishabhanatha, also known as Lord Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, ended his year-long fast by consuming sugarcane juice offered by King Shreyansha. This event underscores the values of asceticism and spiritual triumph.​

➥ Goddess Annapurna's Manifestation

On this day, Goddess Annapurna, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, is believed to have appeared to nourish the world. In a renowned legend, when Lord Shiva sought alms, Goddess Annapurna fed him, symbolizing the divine assurance of sustenance and the importance of sharing food. ​

➥ Commencement of Treta Yuga

According to the Puranas, Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of the Treta Yuga, the second of the four epochs (Yugas) in Hindu cosmology. This era witnessed the incarnations of Lord Rama and Lord Parashurama, emphasizing the day's significance in the cosmic timeline. ​

➥ Kubera's Appointment as Lord of Wealth

It is believed that on this day, Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, was appointed as the Lord of Wealth by Lord Shiva. This association reinforces the tradition of initiating new financial ventures and investments on Akshaya Tritiya. ​

➥ The Akshaya Patra Blessing

During the Pandavas' exile, Lord Krishna gifted them the Akshaya Patra, a divine vessel that provided an endless supply of food. This ensured they could feed themselves and any guests without scarcity, symbolizing unending sustenance and the importance of hospitality. 

These legends collectively enrich Akshaya Tritiya's significance, making it a day that embodies eternal prosperity, devotion, and the triumph of righteousness.

Akshaya Tritiya 2025: Vrat Vidhi, Puja Procedure & Astrological Significance

🕉️ Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Guidelines)

On Akshaya Tritiya, devotees observe a day of purity, devotion, and self-discipline. Fasting practices vary based on individual capacity and tradition:​

• Complete Fast: Abstaining from all food and water.

• Partial Fast: Consuming only fruits and water.

• Single Meal: Partaking in a single meal, preferably consisting of prasad.​

Non-vegetarian food is strictly avoided. The emphasis is on spiritual activities, self-control, and engaging in charitable deeds.​

🪔 Puja Vidhi (Worship Procedure)

Performing the Akshaya Tritiya puja with devotion is believed to usher in prosperity and divine blessings. Here's a step-by-step guide:​

1. Preparation:

   • Rise early and bathe, preferably with water mixed with a few drops of Ganga Jal.

   • Wear clean, preferably yellow, attire.

2. Altar Setup:

   • Choose a clean and serene spot for the puja.

   • Place a wooden chowki (platform) and cover it with a fresh yellow cloth.

   • Arrange idols or pictures of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganesha.

   • Position Goddess Lakshmi to the left of Lord Vishnu.​

3. Kalash Preparation:

   • Take a kalash (sacred pot) and apply turmeric to it, drawing a Swastika with sindoor.

   • Fill it with water, add kumkum, turmeric, coins, and mango leaves.

   • Place a coconut atop the kalash.​

4. Puja Rituals:

   • Light a ghee or oil lamp to the right of the chowki.

   • Offer arghya (water) to Surya Dev (Sun God).

   • Perform dhyana (meditation) and take a sankalp (vow) to conduct the puja with sincerity.

   • Invoke Lord Ganesha and offer him fruits, flowers, akshat (rice), kalava (sacred thread), and dakshina.

   • Worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi by offering mauli, kumkum, akshat, flowers, and applying sindoor to Goddess Lakshmi.

   • Recite mantras and offer naivedhyam (food offering).

   • Conclude with an aarti and pray for prosperity and well-being.​

📿 Mantras for the Day

Chanting mantras enhances the spiritual ambiance and invokes divine blessings. 

If we wanna please lord Vishnu or Krishna then we should chant Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

• Hare Krishna Mahamantra:

  Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
  Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare​

As stated in the Harinaam Chintamani by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur:

"The holy name of Krishna is the most auspicious of all auspicious things."​

🌌 Astrological Significance

Akshaya Tritiya is astrologically significant due to the exaltation of both the Sun and the Moon:

• Sun in Aries: Symbolizes strength, leadership, and vitality.

• Moon in Taurus: Represents emotional stability, prosperity, and growth.​

This rare alignment enhances the day's auspiciousness, making it ideal for initiating new ventures, investments, and spiritual practices. It's believed that any good deed performed on this day yields manifold benefits and lasting prosperity.​

🌿 Rituals Across Regions

Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated with various rituals across India:​

• Charity: Donating food, clothes, and essentials to the needy.

• Tulsi Offerings: Offering Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu.

• Deity Worship: Worshiping Lord Krishna & Srimati Radharani by performing Abhishek and Aarti

• Harvest Prayers: In Eastern India, prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest.

• Halkhata: Business communities start new account books, seeking blessings for prosperity.

• Gold Purchase: Buying gold is considered auspicious, symbolizing enduring wealth.

• Holy Dips: Taking a dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges for purification.

• Jain Traditions: Jains conclude their year-long penance by breaking their fast with sugarcane juice.

• Sandalwood Application: Applying sandalwood paste to Lord Krishna's idol, believed to grant heavenly abode.​

Embrace the divine energies of Akshaya Tritiya by engaging in these sacred rituals and practices, inviting unending prosperity and spiritual growth into your life.

Meaning of Akshaya Tritiya

The term Akshaya Tritiya is derived from two Sanskrit words:​

• Akshaya (अक्षय): Meaning "never diminishing," "imperishable," or "eternal." It signifies unending prosperity, hope, joy, and success. ​

• Tritiya (तृतीया): Refers to the "third lunar day" in the traditional Hindu calendar. 

Thus, Akshaya Tritiya translates to the "third day of unending prosperity." It is celebrated on the third lunar day (Tritiya) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Vaisakha. The day is believed to be inherently auspicious, with the benefits of any good deeds performed—such as charity, worship, or spiritual practices—considered to bring lasting prosperity and success.

Akshaya Tritiya Story

Akshaya Tritiya is deeply rooted in the ancient legends of the Pandavas. On this sacred day, Yudhishthira Maharaj was blessed with the divine Akshaya Patra by Lord Surya Narayan. This sacred vessel had the miraculous power to provide an endless supply of food, ensuring that there was never a shortage, no matter how much was consumed. The Akshaya Patra symbolized eternal abundance and divine provision, making it an iconic representation of infinite blessings and nourishment.

🌼 The Inspiration Behind The Akshaya Patra Foundation

Inspired by the legendary Akshaya Patra and fueled by Srila Prabhupada’s profound desire to ensure no one goes hungry, the Akshaya Patra Foundation was founded in 2004. The disciples of Srila Prabhupada, at Gupt Vrindavan Dham, Jaipur, established this noble initiative with the vision of feeding the hungry and providing nourishment to children in need. The foundation has since grown to become the world’s largest NGO-run school lunch program, serving over 2 million children across 24,000 schools.

For Srila Prabhupada’s followers, Akshaya Patra is not just a food relief program; it is a true manifestation of his mercy and grace. This initiative reflects his deep compassion for the well-being of every soul, ensuring that spiritual and material sustenance go hand in hand.

Cultural Practices & Rituals

1. Purchasing Gold & Assets: The tradition of buying gold on the day of Akshaya Tritiya is very ancient ."Similar to Dhanteras, Akshaya Tritiya is also considered an auspicious day for purchasing gold and It is the symbol of the blessings of Laxmi Devi . And it brings prosperity ,good fortune, wealth and Splendour to the individual and their family .

2. Donations: Whatever's we have is given by Lord krishna .Therefore, with gratitude, we should offer our service to the Lord & especially Donation made on this day gives us everlasting Opulence and Auspicious ness .

Srila Prabhupada writes regarding charity and donations in Krishna consciousness that

"If you have got money, don't spoil it. Use it for Krishna. That is the proper utilization of money."​ ~ Srimad-Bhagavatam Lecture, 1.2.6, Vrindavan, October 22, 1972

"Real charity means to give for Krishna's cause. That is real charity."​ ~ Conversation, London, July 26, 1976

3. Special Pooja & Prayers: Devotees worship Lord Vishnu and goddess Laxmi Devi with devotion and sincerity and it brings them closer to their spiritual goals .
Worship of Surya Narayna dev on this day is also very auspicious. As Lord krishna who is the supreme personality of the godhead himself declares in Bhagwat geeta ( 10.8 ) that :"I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me."

This means Surya Narayana is also a representative of Lord Krishna. So simply by serving Lord Krishna / Vishnu we can please surya narayan .

• Chandanotsava at Simhachalam Temple:- On Akshaya Tritiya, the Simhachalam Temple in Andhra Pradesh celebrates
  • Chandanotsava, where the deity's sandalwood covering is removed, allowing
  • Devotees to view the original idol—a unique event occurring only on this day.
• Traditional Dishes prepared on Akshaya Tritiya:- On this day , several traditional dishes are prepared like
  • Kheer (made with milk , rice and sugar)
  • Malpua (sweet dish made from sugar , ghee and flour)
  • Puri (made from flour)
  • Sabzi (Savory dish made from vegetables)

Note: First of all, All the offerings are offered to Krishna and later we can have it as prasadam.

✨ Akshaya Tritiya Aarti & Pooja Muhurat:

➥ Pious deeds on Akshaya Tritiya:

• Devotees perform Aarti & Vaishnav Bhajans.
• Also Read Scriptures like Bhagwad Geeta , Srimad Bhagwatam & Chaitanya Charita mrita - On this Eternal day , chanting the divine mantra ( Hare Krishna Mahamnatra) is considered very Sanctified.
• Subh Muhurt for Pooja and Daan Akshaya Tritiya is considered an auspicious & eternal day. So there is no need to follow any particular time for puja or daan. We should simply welcome the auspiciousness with faith Because the whole day is considered as a new beginning and filled with positive energy.

So this might be a wiser choice that .on this day, we should focus on spiritual significance rather than specific timings.

➥ Spiritual Activities:-

• Chanting & Recitation: Devotees enhance their spiritual practice on this auspicious day by chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, seeking divine blessings and inner peace.

Srila Prabhupada also mentioned that:

"Chant Hare Krishna and you will feel the spiritual advancement." ~ Lecture, London, August 3, 1973

- Apart from this , we can also recite Bhagavad Gita Verses and Vishnu sahastranaam.

• Tarpan and Pind Daan for Ancestors: When we make heartfelt offerings to our ancestors on Akshay Tritiya then it brings peace to their souls and we as Performers also receive blessings and eternal support to our spiritual journey.

✨ Benefits, Importance & Significance:

• Eternal & Various Benefits: This day is all auspicious. Purchasing gold or any property on Akshaya Tritiya brings prosperity, grandeur & financial stability. There are many internal benefits of starting a new business also. Overall, we do every work, every policy in this world only to serve GOD (Krishna). If we attain wealth, glory and prosperity, then we must purify it by directly using it in the service of God (We can Donate a portion of our wealth) and this will also be very important for our spiritual advancement.
• Spiritual Significance: Akshya Tritiya holds significant spiritual Importance. It's an opportunity for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and introspection. Akshaya Tritiya is the dawn of Satya yug ( An era of Truth and righteousness). This is the day on which the quarrelsome Kaliyug ended and the Religious pious Satya Yuga began.So Auspicious Akshaya Tritiya takes us from unrighteousness (Darkness) to righteousness (light).
• Religious Importance: Lord Vishnu is worshiped on Akshaya Tritiya because it is believed to be the day of his incarnation (Lord Parashurama ) .This day is considered auspicious for worshiping Lord Vishnu and seeking his blessings by chanting his holy names.

As Srila Prabhupada also writes in Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, that

"The chanting of the holy name of Krishna is the easiest and most effective means of achieving spiritual realization."​

✨ Modern Observances:

• Online Puja & Donations: Krishna is very Kind and boundless Compassionate personality. He is ready to shower his blessings on his devotees through every medium. Therefore, online services are also available for those who cannot attend physical ceremonies. Our Temple offers virtual Puja and Havan ceremonies, allowing devotees to participate from the comfort of their own homes like Sadhu bhojan, Gau seva, Ashta dhatu Daan, Gold & Silver Donations.
• Community Celebrations at GUPT VRINDAWAN DHAM: At Gupt Vrindavan Dham, Akshaya Tritiya marks the appearance day of Their Beloved Lordships Sri Sri Krishna-Balaram, installed 13 years ago. The deities are adorned with sandalwood paste , Beautiful dresses , Jewellery ,Fragrent Flowers etc and Special darshan, Havan, and Puja ceremonies are performed. The day includes prasadam distribution, mass feeding, and group kirtan of Hare Krishna Mahamnatra.

Visitors can participate in the celebrations by offering donations to the service of Sri Sri Krishna-Balaram, seeking their blessings and spiritual growth. It's a great opportunity to visit Gupt Vrindavan Dham, take darshan, and experience the joy of the celebrations.

✨ Significance of Akshaya Tritiya in Different Regions:

• North India: In Northern India, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated with great devotion. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. And Here , Buying gold on this day is considered very auspicious.
• South India: In Southern India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated with great faith. Devotees worship their Lordships. And here the temple's procession and tableau of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi Devi are taken out. People buy new items and start new ventures.
• Eastern & Western India: In Eastern and Western India, Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi and They perform Puja and Hava ceremonies to gain the blessings of the Lord.

Akshaya Tritiya Donations & Seva

As stated in the Srimad Bhagwatam by Srila Prabhupada SB 5.14.24, Purport:

"If money is utilized in the service of Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa, the devotee automatically lives in an opulent way. However, if one wants to enjoy Lakṣmī the way Rāvaṇa did, he will be vanquished by the laws of nature, and whatever few possessions he has will be taken away. Finally death will take everything away, and death is the representative of Kṛṣṇa."​

Dear Sacred Souls, Make your life blessed and successful by offering your service at the Lotus feet of Lord Shri Krishna. Do not miss this precious opportunity.
Please Donate and participate in the service of Lord krishna On this Divine day.

Types of Daan:

• Annadaan (Feeding the Needy)
• Gau Seva (Cow Protection)
• Sadhu Bhojan Seva
• Gold & Silver Donations
• Ashtadhatu Daan

Conclusion

The celebration of auspicious days like Akshaya Tritiya reminds us of the Lord's immense mercy on us.If we offer something with Devotion and Love in service of Lord Krishna on Akshaya Tritiya, we will receive Krishna's unlimited, ever lasting, eternal mercy in return.

Srila Prabhupada ji beautifully explains about service offered to lord Krishna that:

"The Lord is the giver of all benedictions. If someone offers something to Him, he is not the loser; he gains a million times in return."​

So, This festival offers us an opportunity to bring positive change in our lives and motivates us to advance in spirituality. Together with our friends and family, we can serve the Lord and seek the Lord's divine guidance and Mercy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Akshaya Tritiya?

Ans. A highly auspicious Hindu and Jain festival symbolizing eternal prosperity, success, and spiritual blessings.

2. When is Akshaya Tritiya in 2025?

Ans. On 30th April 2025 (Wednesday).

3. Why do people buy gold on this day?

Ans. Buying gold is believed to bring lasting wealth and good fortune.

4. What spiritual acts are recommended?

Ans. Fasting, puja, chanting, charity, Tulsi offering, and reciting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra.

5. What is Akshaya Patra’s connection?

Ans. Inspired by the Akshaya Patra given to Yudhishthira by Lord Surya, it symbolizes endless food and blessings. The Akshaya Patra Foundation carries forward this spirit.

6. Do Jains celebrate this day?

Ans. Yes, it marks the day Lord Rishabhdev ended his year-long fast.

7. Is it good to start new ventures today?

Ans. Yes, no muhurta is needed—it’s a naturally auspicious day for new beginnings.

8. What donations are recommended?

Ans. Annadaan, Gau Seva, Sadhu Seva, and Mandir Nirman are highly meritorious.