Dr. Sandhya Rani Bombay
Akshaya Tritiya is a sacred day that symbolizes goodness and ethical living, inspiring us to cultivate virtues and take pride in our moral choices. Celebrated on the third day of the Chaitra month during the waxing moon, it serves as a guide for facing ethical challenges in our digital society. The term ‘Akshaya’ means “that which never decays,” highlighting the importance of nurturing enduring virtues over material wealth. This occasion encourages us to build a lasting legacy of integrity and purpose.
Demystifying the Myth: “You Must Buy Gold…”
Let’s clarify a common misconception: “You Must Buy Gold” on Akshaya Tritiya. The Vedas, Puranas, and Dharmashastras do not explicitly instruct this. Instead, they emphasize the importance of charity (dana), spiritual recitation (japa), and dedicating ourselves to service (seva). The Bhavishya Purana, in Uttara Parva 19.4, emphasizes the significance of practices such as bathing, charity, and rituals in enhancing spiritual lives and fostering compassion. The Vedas emphasize the value of offering raw rice, dal, and ghee to Brahmins, as well as feeding the hungry, to cultivate a sense of community responsibility and kindness. Furthermore, the Manusmriti highlights the supreme virtue of annadana, or food donation, stating in verse 4.229 that giving food is the most significant form of charity, reinforcing the tenet of nurturing others as essential to a compassionate life.
Why is this day called “Akshaya,
Akshata, meaning” never diminishing.” Recognizing this helps us understand the importance of enduring virtues over fleeting material gains. Here are eleven cosmic events we should know about. Our rishis did not choose dates randomly. On this Tritiya, the universe opened 11 doors of grace, each offering lessons in compassion, integrity, and self-awareness for all ages.
- The axe-wielding Avatara who made Dharma Akshaya
Parashurama Jayanti is celebrated as a significant event rooted in the **Brahmanda Purana**, marking the birth of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. His arrival in the world was intended to restore justice and righteousness, highlighting his role as a protector of dharma.
- The Holy Ganga ‘s Akshaya to Mother Earth
In the **Bhagavata Purana**, specifically in chapter 9, verse 9, the **Ganga Avatarana** is beautifully illustrated. The holy river Ganga descended to Earth to convey a profound message: rivers are not mere bodies of water but essential lifelines that support all forms of life.
- Let’s welcome Akshaya Tritiya as a new beginning of righteous efforts
The initiation of the **Treta Yuga**, as described in the **Vayu Purana** 57.35, signifies the dawn of a new age. This era is characterized by new habits and virtuous endeavors, reminding us that any righteous efforts we undertake today will not be in vain.
- The Timeless Tale of Krishna’s Akshaya…
An enlightening episode in the **Bhagavata Purana** (10.80-81) details the meeting between Krishna** and Kuchela/Sudama, emphasizing the importance of valuing relationships and human connections over material wealth. Their reunion symbolizes true friendship and love that transcends material possessions.
- Vyasa’s Akshaya-The Mahabharata
On this auspicious day, the sage Vyasa commenced the monumental task of composing **The Mahabharata**, guided by Ganesha, as they together embarked on this epic journey, beginning with the **Adi Parva** 1.1. As we consider Vyasa’s cultural impact, let’s embark on new learning journeys, whether it’s learning a skill or enhancing our spirituality through the chant, “sarasvati namastubhyam varade kāmarūpiṇi…”
- Surya’s miraculous vessel -The Akshaya Patra
Additionally, in the **Vana Parva** 3.3, it is recounted how **Surya**, the sun god, graciously bestowed the Akshaya Patra upon the Pandavas—a miraculous vessel that provided them with endless food, reinforcing the notion of abundance and divine providence.
- Let us be ethical stewards of wealth…
The **Shiva Purana** describes how **Goddess Laxmi** appointed **Kubera** as the guardian of wealth, emphasizing that wealth should be seen as a form of trusteeship. This insight promotes ethical stewardship and responsible resource management. The Rig Veda 10.117 encourages earning with a hundred hands and donating with a thousand, highlighting the importance of generosity and altruism.
- That true compassion surpasses material wealth…
In a stunning display of compassion, Adi Shankara composed the **Kanakadhara Stavam**, as recorded in the **Shankara Digvijaya**. Through his heartfelt prayer, golden amlas miraculously fell from the heavens, showcasing that true compassion and kindness surpass even the most precious material wealth.
- Nourish those who are hungry, so you will never be left hungry…
The incarnation of Annapurna Devi is commemorated on this day, as mentioned in the **Kashi Khanda** of the **Skanda Purana**. The phrase “Annam Parabrahma…” reminds us that food is divine, with Goddess Annapurna ensuring that those who nourish others are never left hungry themselves.
- Krishna, the Akshaya of Dharma!
The tale of Krishna protecting Draupadi in Sabha Parva 2.68 serves as a poignant reminder: dharma protects those who uphold it and encourages us not to forget past injustices, whether they occur in the physical world or elsewhere.
- Detox Physically or digitally- a Modern Day Chandanotsavam!
The Simhachalam Agama describes the Lord adorned with sandalwood, revealing His true self on this day. A modern ‘Chandanotsavam’ could be a detoxification, both physically and digitally, helping us reconnect with our authentic selves.
Remember, Dharma is the only Investment Yama can’t tax…
Lastly, the teachings from the **Taittiriya Brahmana** 1.1.2.6 remind us of an invaluable truth: “the only Investment Yama can’t tax…” It emphasizes that acts of dharma—especially when performed at the right time—are eternal and liberating, allowing us to accumulate Akshaya, or everlasting goodness, while freeing ourselves from the burdens of past sins.
On this sacred Akshaya Tritiya, let us redefine our treasures. Instead of chasing gold, let’s embrace the wealth of kindness. Let’s join hands to support clean-water bodies, reject plastic, and let love renew. a coding class, or read the Gita’s lines. Treasure friendships that outshine all signs. Kindness truly binds in life’s great journey.
Together, let’s commit to ending food waste and, with each morsel, show respect for our farmers. Let’s go on a detox -whether physical or digital-and clear our minds.
“Plant a Tulsi, or make that call to your grandparents. Gold may glitter, but true wealth comes from the good we do.” Shubh Akshaya Tritiya—Wishing all a day of limitless rewards and overflowing abundance. (The author is a former Associate Professor from Bhavan’s New Science College, Narayanguda, Hyderaba
