Akshaya Tritiya 2017: Puja Vidhi, Tithi and Timings

The third day in the month of Vaishakha according to the Hindu calendar is celebrated as Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej. This day is of great significance to the Hindu community because of it has a profound meaning. This year Akshaya Tritiya will be celebrated on April 28.

In Sanskrit, Akshaya means ‘never diminishing’. Any business venture or a new initiative that commences on this day will multiply manifold and ushers in prosperity. Hence it is extremely auspicious.

Many people start their new business on this day or initiative a new beginning after offering a Puja to the almighty. Some people even buy gold as a symbolic gesture to invite everlasting prosperity.

A number of legends are associated with this auspicious day. Here’s taking a look at some of them:

1. Lord Kubera (the treasurer of wealth) is believed to have received his lost fortune back.
2. On this day, poor Sudama was blessed with abundance of wealth by his dear friend Lord Krishna.
3. Maa Annapurna was born on this day.
4. It is also believed to be the birth date of Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
5. Ved Vyasa started penning the Mahabharata on this day.

Akshaya Tritiya Tithi

According to Drikpanchang.com, Akshaya Tritiya tithi begins on 10:29 AM on April 28 and ends on 6:55 AM on the following day.

Akshaya Tritiya Puja timings

The Puja can be performed between 10:29 AM to 12:36 PM on April 28.

Akshaya Tritiya Puja Vidhi

• You can offer your prayers to Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi or Kuber and the Goddess of wealth- Lakshmi, his co-custodian of riches on this day.
• Use a wooden platform and spread a yellow or red coloured cloth over it.
• Now carefully place an idol of Lakshmi and Narayan or Lakshmi and Kubera on the platform. Make sure, Lakshmi is to be placed to Vishnu’s left and to the right of Kubera. You may also use images of the deities.
• Light an earthen, brass or silver lamp with ghee or oil and a few incense sticks.
• Invite the God and the Goddess to accept your offerings and prayers. Invoke the Gods to welcome them to your home and accept your humble offerings.
• Apply haldi, kumkum and chandan and put akshat.
• Offer banana, coconut, paan supari, sweets and water to the Gods.
• Meditate for a while and then seek the God and Goddess’ blessings.
• Now perform the Aarti by ringing the bell and conclude the puja.