Akshaya Tritiya - a day of positive beginnings

Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month (April-May), when the Sun and Moon are in exaltation; they are simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only once every year.

Importance According to Hinduism
Akshay Tritiiya was the day when Lord Ganesha started writing the epic Mahabharata to Ved Vyas's dictation.
It was also on this day that Goddess Annapoorna was born.
Kubera received his wealth and position as custodian of wealth and property along with Goddess Lakshmi on this day, by praying to Lord Shiva at Shivapuram.
It is also traditionally observed as the birthday of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of god Vishnu

The Krishna-Sudama Legend

Perhaps, the most famous of the Akshaya Tritiya stories is the legend of Lord Krishna and Sudama, his poor Brahmin childhood friend.

 On this day, as the tale goes, Sudama came over to Krishna's palace to request him for some financial help. As a gift for his friend, Sudama had nothing more than a handful of beaten rice or 'poha'.

He was utterly ashamed to give it to Krishna, but Krishna took the pouch of 'poha' from him and relished having it.

 Krishna followed the principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'the guest is like God' and treated Sudama like a king. His poor friend was so overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality shown by Krishna, that he could not ask for the financial favor and came home empty handed.

When he reached his place, Sudama's old hut was transformed into a palace! He found his family dressed in royal attire and everything around was new and expensive. Sudama knew that it was a boon from Krishna, who blessed him with more than the wealth he actually intended to ask for.

Akshaya Tritiya is a very favourable day to start a new journey or to reinforce an ongoing one within the material or spiritual world.

Happy Akshaya Tritiya... May wealth, prosperity and peace always blossom upon you!

Dr.Hemant Mittal
www.mindmantra.in
email – eksoch@gmail.com