Closeup of Vishnu, seated in the lotus position on a lotus. From depiction of the poet Jayadeva bowing to Vishnu, Gouache on paper Pahari, The very picture of devotion, bare-bodied, head bowed, legs crossed and hands folded, Jayadeva stands at left, with the implements of worship placed before the lotus-seat of Vishnu who sits there, blessing the poet. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

23rd April – Akshaya Tritiya.

King Rishabhadeva alias Adinath is the first Tirthankara of the Jains. The Day of Akshay Tritiya is believed to be auspicious in Jainism.  Adinath gave up all worldly pleasures and chose to lead the life of an ascetic. An ascetic dwells at the mercy of God. They live on what is offered to them to sustain them. Adinath went around the city but people offered him everything except the food. After a long time his grand son Shreyansha Kumara, offered him sugarcane juice and thus Rishabhadeva/Adinath ended his fast  on this day called Akshaya Tritiya. Accordingly it is believed that religious gifts bestowed on Akshaya Tritiya become inexhaustible. It is believed that a person doing charity on this day will be blessed.

As per Hindu mythology this day is ruled by god Vishnu, the preserver-god in the Hindu Trinity of Brahma Vishnu Mahesh. This day is also believed to be birthday of the Hindu sage Parashurama, another Avatar incarnation of the god Vishnu. Further the Treta Yuga began and the river Ganges, the most sacred river of India, descended from heaven to the earth on this day.

The word “Akshaya” is in Sanskrit with means ‘Perpetual’ or  ‘Never diminishing’. The is auspicious for all most of the Karmas(actions) as it is believed to bring good luck and success.  It is therefore believed that an act performed or started on this day will continue forever. So every person, on this day has two options for action.

Unfortunately what the people do on this day, is to buy GOLD, under a belief that their possession of Gold would be perpetuated forever. Next time, if you want to know more about a practicing Hindu, ask him/her what he/she did on this day and you will know the bent of mind. Just do not tell that I told it.

© Sandeep Bhalla