IN PICS: The legend of Akshaya Tritiya

Hindus in different parts of India celebrate the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya for different reasons. Here are a few beliefs associated with the event.

Today is an auspicious day for Hindus across the country.

According to the Hindu calendar, Lord Parshurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu was born today.

It also marks the beginning of the Treta Yuga.

Interestingly, the day on which Lord Parshurama was born and the day after his birthday is also celebrated as Akshaya Tritiya.

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Akshaya in Sankrit means 'the never diminishing' or 'limitless', a characteristic also reflective of Lord Parshurama who was one of the few immortals in the Vedic Age.

Most Hindus believe that he is still alive.

According to the Kalki Purana, Parshurama will return to power as the last Vishu incarnation towards the end of Kali Yug, also believed to be the last stage of the world.

Akshaya Tritiya is considered auspicious because it is believed that anything you buy or invest in on this day will multiply itself or bring you luck, success and prosperity.

Besides being the birthday of Lord Parshurama, there are several other legends that add on to the importance and relevance of Akshaya Tritiya.

According to the Mahabharata, Yudhisthira and his wife Draupadi received the Akshaya Patra from Surya, the Sun God on Akshaya Tritiya.

The Patra or magical plate as it was known would produce limitless food.

According to another legend, on this day, Duryodhan's brother Dushyasana tries to undress Draupadi by unveiling her saree in the royal court.

An ardent Krishna devotee that she was, Draupadi seeks help from Lord Krishna who then comes to her rescue and protects her by blessing her with the unending drape.

Most Hindus also worship Lord Kubera on Akshaya Tritiya.

Kubera, also considered the Lord of wealth is believed to have been blessed with riches and prosperity on this day, thus strengthening the significance of this day.

Akshaya Tritiya is also special for the farmer community.

In several parts of India, farmers wake up early, go the fields to till the land and offer a pooja on this day.

They believe that Akshaya Tritiya will provide a great start for the year ahead and also bless them with a good yield of crops.

Across India, Hindus buy gold, invest in new property, start new businesses and observe fast on this day as they believe that any investment done on Akshaya Tritiya will yield good returns.

It is said that an act of good will on this day will bring happiness and peace to the family. Akshaya Tritiya is a significant day to indulge in some charity.

You will find a lot of people feeding the poor, distributing clothes and other items to the needy on this day.

With each of you having a distinct reason and purpose behind celebrating the festival, we hope you have an auspicious and successful year ahead.