Akshaya tritiya is not just for buying gold! Know the real story behind this day and how ads turned it into a gold shopping festival.
In the Indian calendar of festivals, Akshaya tritiya Holds a special place. Every year, this spring-time festival, usually falling in April or may, is celebrated with great faith. The word Akshaya Means “Never Diminishing,” and Tritiya Denotes the third day of the lunar fortnight – Making it a day believed to usher in waiting prosperity, success, and good fortune.
Traditionally, it’s a day rooted in mythology, history, and spirituality. But in today’s world of commercialization and consumeristic world Akshaya tritiya is more knowledge for Queues Outside Jewelry Shops Than for Spiritual Reflection. What was once a symbol of divine abundance is now larger Driven by advertisements forcing you to “Buy Gold for Prosperity.”
In this post, let’s explore the Origin, transformation, and the commercialization of akshaya tritiya – and wheether we’ve lost something valuable in this glittering rush or commercialization.
Akshaya tritiya is not for buying gold – Don’t Fall for the Hype!
The Origin – Why is akshaya tritiya celebrated?
The Cultural and Religious Significance of Akshaya tritiya is profound and has a different color.
1. Birth of Lord Parashurama
Hindus Believe That Lord ParashuramaThe Sixth avatar of Vishnu, was born on this day. A Warrior sage, parashurama study as a symbol of discipline, justice, and devotion to dharma.
2. Krishna and Sudama
The story of Krishna and Sudama – Where Sudama, Despite His Poverty, Offred a Humble Gift of Beaten Rice (poha) To Lord Krishna – is an enduring lesson in humility and grace. On akshaya tritiya, krishna accepted this gift with immense love, blessing sudama with untold wealth. This legend reinforces the idea that Intent matters more than the offering itself,
3. Draupadi’s Akshaya Patra
During the exile of the pandavas, draupadi was gifted the Akshaya patraA magical vessel that would never run out of food. It ensured they were Never Hungry, Symbolizing that Divine Help Comes when you live righteously.
4. Descent of River Ganga
Another legend says that Ganga Descended to Earth on this day to purify humanity. Even today, many believe that Taking a Dip in the Ganges on Akshaya tritiya absolves sins.
In JainismIt is the day when RishabhadevaThe First Tirthankara, Broke His Year-Long Fast With Sugarcane Juice, Making it a Sacred Day of Renunciation and Spiritual UPLIFTMENT.
So if you notice clea none of these stories involve goldINTEAD, They Emphasize Selflessness, Spiritual Wealth, and Divine Grace.
The shift – when did gold enter the picture?
In Ancient Times, People may have Initiated new venturesBought Land or cattleOr Donated to the Poor on this day. The belief was simple – Anything Started on Akshaya tritiya would grow without endThis inclined knowledge, relationships, charity, and yes – even wealth.
However, The association of buying gold specifically as a ritual for akshaya tritiya is relatively modern,
So what changed?
- In the Early 2000sOrganized Jewelry Retail Began Tapping Into The Cultural Sentament Around the Day.
- Brands Started Running Campaigns Associating Gold Buying with ‘Eternal Prosperity’,
- Gradually, Akshaya tritiya was marketed as an auspicious day for “buying” raather than “,
- Print, TV, and Digital Media Amplified this narrative. Religious undertones were wrapped neatly around EMI Schemes and “No Making Charge” offers.
- Even banks joined in, promoting Digital Gold, Sgbsand Gold ETFS Around the festival.
Over time, this created a collective social psychology Where not buying gold on akshaya tritiya started to feel like missing out on a cosmic options for wealth.
Is Gold Buying Really “Akshaya”?
Let’s pause for a moment.
If we buy gold every akshaya tritiya, are truly experience “Akshaya” (non-diminishing) Prosperity?
Here are a less truths to reflecting on:
- Gold is an asset, not a ritual. While it can preserve wealth, it doesn’t multiply it unless wisely – like through through sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) or gold ETFS RATHER Than Jeweelry.
- Prosperity is more than material wealth. The original essence of akshaya tritiya was about International BEGININGS – Starting Education, Investing in Relationships, Or Giving in Charity.
- Marketers Sell Emotion, Not Tradition. Much of what we believe today about “Buying gold on akshaya tritiya” was built through slick message – not mythology.
- Gold is not a single asset class on this earth – In Ancient Times, Gold and Real Estate was the only asset to investment. However, nowadays you have various options to invest and, in fact, create more wealth than gold. Then why stick to gold only ?? Refer to my earlier posts on gold, before blindly investment in gold (Articles on gold,
Ironically, what was once a day of giving (Like Sudama’s Humble Offering).
A more meaningful akshaya tritiya
If we want to Reclaim the Original Spirit of this auspicious day, here are some thoughts to do so:
1. Start Your Investments as Soon as Possible
Begin or Increase Your Investments. Let your investments grow in a truly “akshaya” way – slowly, steadily, and wisely.
2. Donate Genearously
Support a cause, sponsor a child’s education, or feed the poor. Remember, Sudama’s Poha Became Gold – Not the other way Around.
3. Spend time with family
Initiate Something New in your Relationships – A Commitment to Regular Family Time, or Perhaps Start a Gratitude Journal.
4. Teach Financial Literacy
If you’re financially aware, mentor someone who isn’t. Financial knowledge passed on is truly akshaya.
5. Reflect on your own ‘Akshaya’ goals
What is one habit, skill, or action you can start today that will compound over the Years? Begin that.
Conclusion
Akshaya tritiya is a reminder that abundance is not allays shiny, Nor Always Bough. It is composed through generosity, effort, and intensity. While there’s nothing wrong with buying gold, doing so blindly in the name of tradition may rob the day of its Deeper value. Beware… there is no special day to start anything good in your life. Start today… Invest Wisely… Never be in a trap of commercialization.