Akshaya Tritiya has many legends that are related to it's origin. But all of them suggest that it is an auspicious day of great significance. It is believed that Akshaya Tritiya is most appropriate for starting anything new, whether it is a business, an investment, studying a new art, or ploughing a farm. Donations/Charitable work are considered to be most beneficial when performed on Akshaya Tritiya. [Check out this previous post to know more about donations : Specific Benefits Of Different Donations]
Some people believe that Akshaya Tritiya is the day that Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Lord Parashurama. It is also believed that the Treta Yuga started on Akshaya Tritiya, and it is also celebrated for this reason. There is also a belief that the Pandavas received the 'Akshaya Patra' on this day.
One legend associated with Akshaya Tritiya is the famous story of Sudama / Kuchela. Kuchela / Sudama was Lord Krishna's childhood friend, and was very poor. When his poverty reached it's brink, Kuchela decided to go meet his old friend Krishna and ask for some help. As a gift for Lord Krishna, Kuchela took a pouch of 'flattened rice' (avil / poha) with him. Upon reaching the palace of Lord Krishna, Kuchela hid the pouch out of embarrassment , since he felt that it was insignificant when compared to the riches which Lord Krishna had. Lord Krishna was delighted to see Kuchela and embraced him lovingly. Lord Krishna cunningly found the pouch of flattened rice and happily ate it. Kuchela's heart was filled with happiness and he left Lord Krishna's palace to go home. Upon reaching the his house, Kuchela was amazed on seeing that his house had transformed into a magnificent palace. His wife and children came running towards him, and they were now wearing dresses made of the finest silk. There were hundreds of cows behind the palace, in a beautiful cow shed. Kuchela realized that this magical transformation was due to the blessings of Lord Krishna, and he thanked him with his whole heart. It is said that this incident took place on the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya. Thus it is believed that when devotees pray to Lord Krishna on this day with devotion, he will bless his devotees with prosperity and wealth.
It is thus said that even little acts of charity / donation performed on Akshaya Tritiya will bring manifold returns . Any charity performed on this holy day can help in bringing bliss that can last for several births, by washing away our sins.It is not the quantity of donation which matters, but rather the willingness to give back to our needy brothers and sisters.
Some people believe that Akshaya Tritiya is the day that Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Lord Parashurama. It is also believed that the Treta Yuga started on Akshaya Tritiya, and it is also celebrated for this reason. There is also a belief that the Pandavas received the 'Akshaya Patra' on this day.
One legend associated with Akshaya Tritiya is the famous story of Sudama / Kuchela. Kuchela / Sudama was Lord Krishna's childhood friend, and was very poor. When his poverty reached it's brink, Kuchela decided to go meet his old friend Krishna and ask for some help. As a gift for Lord Krishna, Kuchela took a pouch of 'flattened rice' (avil / poha) with him. Upon reaching the palace of Lord Krishna, Kuchela hid the pouch out of embarrassment , since he felt that it was insignificant when compared to the riches which Lord Krishna had. Lord Krishna was delighted to see Kuchela and embraced him lovingly. Lord Krishna cunningly found the pouch of flattened rice and happily ate it. Kuchela's heart was filled with happiness and he left Lord Krishna's palace to go home. Upon reaching the his house, Kuchela was amazed on seeing that his house had transformed into a magnificent palace. His wife and children came running towards him, and they were now wearing dresses made of the finest silk. There were hundreds of cows behind the palace, in a beautiful cow shed. Kuchela realized that this magical transformation was due to the blessings of Lord Krishna, and he thanked him with his whole heart. It is said that this incident took place on the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya. Thus it is believed that when devotees pray to Lord Krishna on this day with devotion, he will bless his devotees with prosperity and wealth.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Another legend which 'some people' relate to Akshaya Tritiya is about the Kanakadhara Stotra . Once Adi Shankaracharya went to a house for alms. There was only one lady in the house and she was very poor and didn't have any food in the house to give Adi Shankaracharya. She frantically searched the house and found a gooseberry(amla/nellikai). She went and gave the gooseberry to Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya was greatly pleased at the woman's willingness to donate the only piece of food she had, and he wished to make her life happier. Adi Shankaracharya immediately recited the Kanakadhara Stotra and invoked Devi Mahalakshmi. Devi Mahalakshmi was greatly pleased and showered the lady's house with golden gooseberries. This incident is said to have happened on Akshaya Tritiya.It is thus said that even little acts of charity / donation performed on Akshaya Tritiya will bring manifold returns . Any charity performed on this holy day can help in bringing bliss that can last for several births, by washing away our sins.It is not the quantity of donation which matters, but rather the willingness to give back to our needy brothers and sisters.
