| Akshya Trithiyai - Symbol of Flourishing Fortunes
-- May 15, 2002
 According to Vedic astrologers the Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most important days of the Vedic Calendar.
On that day the sun, Surya, and the moon, Chandra, are simultaneously at their peak of brightness. This year,
Akshaya Tritiya falls on a day when Seven planets occupy a single rasi. It was, according to the Vedic
texts, on this day and with this astrological aspect that the ancient Rishis performed the first yagya in the history
of mankind. This yagya also marked the start of a time regarded as the Golden Age of Indian culture, when man
began to live life totally in accord with Cosmic Law.
Akshaya Tritiya, the third day of the bright half of Chithirai, is considered one of the foremost sacred day of the year. The word Akshaya means that which never diminishes, hence beginnings made or valuables bought on this day are considered certain to bring luck and success. All over India people celebrate weddings, plan new business ventures,
purchase gold, long journeys and other events on this day. Akshaya Tritiya is traditionally the birthday of Parshurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu.
 There is a tale in the Mahabharata to highlight the importance of Akshaya Thrithiyai. Narrating the story, Sri.Venkatakrishna Bhattachariar of Sri. Parthasarathy Devasthanam said, "When the Pancha Pandavas along with their spouse Draupati were in exile, a bowl (Akshaya Pathram) had been given to Draupati by Lord Krishna, with the help of which she was able to serve food to the Pandavas. It was just sufficient to satisfy their hunger.
"One day, Sage Durvasa, who was known for his short temper, wanted to test the Pandavas. He along with all his followers reached the forest where the Pandavas were living and asked Draupati to keep food ready for them when they would return after a bath in a nearby river. By then she and the Pandavas had already finished their lunch, and the 'bowl' was almost empty, with just a grain of rice left in it.
 "Fearing the wrath of the Sage, Draupati prayed fervently to Lord Krishna, her saviour. Her prayers were answered. Lord Krishna ate the one grain of rice that was still there, and lo! Durvasa and the other guests returned from the river just to tell the Pandavas that already they felt as if they had had a good lunch and their stomachs were full." No wonder, Draupati heaved a sigh of relief! The belief is that, it is good if we buy something like gold, silver or new clothes. Jewellers use this opportunity to induce customers to buy ornaments by announcing good offers. But there are persons -- like Sri.N.K Muthukrishnan who lives in Besant Nagar, Chennai -- who find this an occasion to do Annadanam to the poor, at Avvai Home and the Andhra Mahila Sabha.
The weeklong celebrations at his Bala Vihar include, conducting Shanmatha Homams (Sudharshana, Mahalakshmi and Dhanvantri Homams), organising group singing of devotional songs, and Cutcheris. And there will be mass recitation of Vishnu Sahasranamam and Rama Sahasranamam and Akhanda Rama Nama Japa Yagnam on May 6 and 7. He has been conducting this since 1955.
 Ever since his miraculous escape from the cruel hands of some criminals by the grace of Lord Rama, he started celebrating this day. What had begun in a small way by offering food to six persons had grown into a big event every year with about 200 people taking part in the celebrations. "It is really to catch the children and educate them about our cultural heritage through our mythological stories, which in many cases are realities. Whatever service you do on this day, you will get multi-fold returns," says Muthukrishnan who is also known as Hare Ram Kaka. As Sri.Muthukrishnan puts it philosophically, "Krishnavatara teaches us how to live without being affected by outside inhibitions. This is the essence and doctrine of the Bhagavat Gita. The underlying reality that is lying latent in the heart of the individual is one with the undying reality that is permeating the entire Universe."
published on 10th May
2002
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