Today is Akshaya Tritiya which is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for new beginnings according to the Hindu calendar. The word ‘Akshaya’ in Sanskrit means inexhaustible, that which is unlimited or everlasting. Thus this festival is a celebration of unending happiness, peace, and prosperity. On this day, Sudama, a poor brahmana, went to Dwaraka and met His childhood friend, Lord Krishna. Though Sudama never asked the Lord for any help, Lord Krishna blessed him with unlimited prosperity in return for his most humble offering of chipped rice. Despite possessing great riches, Sudama remained a great devotee of the Lord and never forgot Him till the end of his life. Thus Akshaya Tritiya is also a festival of Lord Sri Krishna’s blessings for prosperity and devotion. Many people like to make donations on this day as an act of charity on Akshaya Tritiya is returned in favor with inexhaustible prosperity and devotion. Please consider donating to the cows, who are most dear to Lord Krishna, on this auspicious day!
This day is so auspicious that other wonderful historical events happened:
(1) Lord Parashurama appeared on this day
(2) River Ganges descended to Earth on this day
(3) This day marks the beginning of Treta-yuga
(4) The Pandavas received Akshaya Patra from the Sun God
(5) Vyasadeva started composing Mahabharata on this day
(6) Adi Shankaracharya composed Kanakadhara Stotram on this day
(7) Kubera received his wealth and position as custodian of wealth, and
(8) Goddess Annapoorna Devi appeared on this day.
Did you know? Srila Prabhupada is the founder-acharya of ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Before starting ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada incorporated a society in India, called The League of Devotees, at Jhansi on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya (16th May) in the year 1953. You can download the prospectus for The League of Devotees here.
On this auspicious day, you can give to the cows and increase your prosperity and devotion. One way to give to the cows is to Adopt A Cow! Anything a person undertakes on this day is bound to succeed, especially the performance of devotional activities, which guarantee inexhaustible benefits. Thank you!
