2018 Akshaya Tritiya Timings
NYC Timings
Tritiya Tithi Begins – 17th April 2018, 6:15PM
Tritiya Tithi Ends – 18th April 2018, 3:59 PM
Puja Timings – 06:17 AM to 12:55 PM
INDIA Timings
Tritiya Tithi Begins – 18th April 2018, 3:45 AM
Tritiya Tithi Ends – 19th April 2018, 1:29 AM
Puja Timings – 5:56 AM to 12:20 PM
Akshaya Tritiya is a fortunate and sacred festival which carries good luck and triumph in terms of new schemes, weddings, big investments such as buying property or gold and any new beginnings.
In Sanskrit, the word “Akshaya” means “imperishable, eternal, the never diminishing” in the sense of “prosperity, hope, joy, success”, while Tritiya means “third”. It is named after the “third lunar day” of the spring month of Vaisakha in the Hindu calendar, the day it is observed.
It is believed that the benefits of doing any Japa, Yajna, Tarpan, Daan on this day will never diminish.
Askshay Tritiya is an auspicious day free from malefic effects of planets in transit. The entire day is regarded auspicious and there is no need to look for time to start auspicious things.
Astrologically, this is the brightest day as both the luminaries are exalted. On this day Sun is in Aries and Moon is in Taurus and the positions are such that they emit maximum light.
Mythology and History behind Akshaya Tritiya
According to one mythology, Ved Vyasa began reciting the Hindu epic Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha on Akshaya Tritiya. Another legend states that river Ganges descended to earth on this day. Akshaya Tritiya is believed in Hinduism to be the birthday of Lord Parasurama who is considered as the sixth incarnation of Vishnu.
It was on this day that Goddess Annapoorna devi was born.
Kubera received his wealth and position as custodian of wealth and property with Goddess Lakshmi on this day, by praying to Lord Shiva at Shivapuram.
In Mahabharata, King Yudhishtira receives the Akshaya patra (magical vessel which holds a never ending supply of food) from Lord Surya on this day.
It is on this day that poor Sudama, the best friend of Lord Krishna visits HIM, to greet HIM after HE became the King. With nothing to offer, Sudama carries Poha (puffed rice) and offers it to his friend and never discusses his poverty though he intends to. On his return he finds his hut transformed to a palace.
Adi Shankaracharya recited the Kanaka Dhara Stotra – One day, as a young boy, he was begging for alms to prepare his lunch and he went to the house of a very poor Brahmin lady to beg. The lady was upset because there was nothing edible in the house. After searching the house once again she found one amla(Amalaki, gooseberry) fruit. She hesitantly offered it to Shankara. He was moved after seeing the plight of the woman and sang 21 hymns praising Goddess Lakshmi. The Goddess was so pleased that she appeared before him and asked him why he has remembered her. He asked the Goddess to grant riches to the poor woman. The Goddess first refused to do so because the lady had not done any work for charity in her previous birth and it is not possible to change one’s fate. Shankara told the Goddess that she is the only one who is capable of changing the fate of someone by erasing or changing the writings of the future made by Lord Brahma. The Goddess was so pleased that she instantly showered the Brahmin lady’s house with goose berries made of pure gold. The 21 stanzas became famous and are read by all devout Hindus.
Beneficial things to do
- Start the day with arghya for the Sun God. – Honoring the Sun brings invincible victory.
- Chant the Gayatri Mantra for a minimum of 108 times.
- Listen to or Meditate on Kanakadhara Stotram.
- Begin new projects
- Write down all your wishes and keep it in front of Sri Lakshmi and perform a simple Puja.
- Donate to your favorite cause. Charity done on this day is considered extremely auspicious.
- Meditate and spend some time in silence and reflection.
- Feel grateful for everything you have in life. Gratefulness will help in removing lack in life.
- Chant or do Japa of any of your favorite mantras.
- Light Lamps to honor the divinity all around you.
- Japa done with Tulsi Mala is beneficial.
- Drop all negativity.
- Any good deeds done on this day reaps the maximum benefit and a lot of blessings.
- Read chapters of Bhagavad Gita.
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