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Friday, May 6, 2011

Akshaya...!?!

Hindus believe in the theory of "mahurats" or auspicious timings in every step in life - be it to begin a new venture or making an important purchase. Akshaya Tritiya is one such momentous occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu Calendar. It is believed, any meaningful activity started on this day would be fruitful.


Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month (April-May), when the Sun and Moon are in exaltation; they are simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only once every year. Also known as "Akha Teej", it is traditionally the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. People conduct special Pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, make a charity, offer barley in a sacred fire, and worship Lord Ganesha & Devi Lakshmi on this day.

The word "Akshaya" means imperishable or eternal - that which never diminishes. Initiations made or valuables bought on this day are considered to bring success or good fortune. Buying gold is a popular activity on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold and gold jewelry bought and worn on this day signify never diminishing good fortune. Indians celebrate weddings, begin new business ventures, and even plan long journeys on this day.


The day also marks the beginning of the "SatyaYug" or the Golden Age - the first of the four Yugas. In the Puranas, the holy Hindu scriptures, there is a story that says that on this day of Akshay Tritiya, Veda Vyasa along with Ganesha started writing the great epic Mahabharata. Ganga Devi or Mother Ganges also descended on earth on this day. According to another legend, during the time of the Mahabhrata, when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna, on this day, presented them an 'Akshaya Patra,' a bowl which would never go empty and produce an unlimited supply of food on demand.

Perhaps, the most famous of the Akshaya Tritiya stories is the legend of Lord Krishna and Sudama, his poor Brahmin childhood friend. On this day, as the tale goes, Sudama came over to Krishna's palace to request him for some financial help. As a gift for his friend, Sudama had nothing more than a handful of beaten rice or 'poha'. So, he was utterly ashamed to give it to Krishna, but Krishna took the pouch of 'poha' from him and relished having it.


Krishna followed the principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'the guest is like God' and treated Sudama like a king. His poor friend was so overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality shown by Krishna, that he could not ask for the financial favor and came home empty handed. Lo and behold! When he reached his place, Sudama's old hut was transformed into a palace! He found his family dressed in royal attire and everything around was new and expensive. Sudama knew that it was a boon from Krishna, who blessed him with more than the wealth he actually intended to ask for. Therefore, Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains and wealth acquisition.

Whatever be the legends and mythology, just make sure to start something new which is Creative, Productive and Positive with a holistic approach on this auspicious day, is the ultimate message…!

Stay tuned and holistic…!


1 comment:

  1. कृष्ण आणि सुदामाच्या या गोष्टी संदर्भात आणखी माहिती नमूद करावीशी वाटते. कृष्ण आणि सुदामा लहानपणी सांदिपनी ऋषींच्या आश्रमात असतानाची ही घटना आहे. एकदा ते दोघे जंगलात दर्भाच्या काड्या गोळा करण्यासाठी गेले होते. खूप फिरल्यावर थकल्यामुळे ते विसाव्यासाठी एका झाडाखाली बसले. तेव्हा कृष्ण सुदामाच्या मांडीवर डोके ठेऊन झोपला. सुदाम्याला भूक लागली होती. कृष्ण झोपला आहे हे पाहून त्याने हळूच गुरु माउलीने दिलेले पोहे काढले आणि खाऊ लागला. थोड्या वेळाने कृष्ण उठला. त्याने सांगितले की तो पोहे खात असल्या सारखा मला भास झाला. तेव्हा सुदामा म्हणाला की तुला स्वप्न पडले असेल. मी विष्णू सहस्त्रनाम म्हणत होतो. आणि असेही दुपारी पडलेल्या स्वप्नाचे काही फलित नसते असे शास्त्र सांगते.
    नंतर कालांतराने सुदामास दारिद्र्य आले. ते घालवण्यासाठी त्याने विष्णू सहस्त्रानामाची अनेक आवर्तने केली. पण काही उपयोग झाला नाही. नंतर कृष्णाकडे गेल्यावर कृष्णाने त्याचे पाय धुतले आणि त्यात रुतलेले काटे काढले. तसेच त्याच्याकडचे पोहे खाल्ले आणि त्यचे दारिद्र्य दूर केले.
    कर्म कसे गूढ रीतीने कार्य करते आणि भगवंताच्या कृपेशिवाय काही साध्य होत नाही असे श्री कृष्णाने यातून सुचवले आहे.

    या गोष्टीचा अक्षय तृतीयेशी काही संबंध नाही. फक्त कृष्ण सुदामा संदर्भात वाचलेले आठवले म्हणून इथे नमूद केले इतकेच.

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