JKP

The Significance of Akshaya Tritiya

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat
9 May 2024
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(Lecture given by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on the occasion of Akshya Tritiya)

A devotee has asked me the significance of Akshaya Tritiya.  This is a festival pertaining to Lord Krishna and the significance of all the days pertaining to Lord Krishna is only that by surrendering ourselves physically, financially and mentally to Lord Krishna, we will derive spiritual benefit.  

Of course, there are many stories connected to this day which tell that such and such incidents took place on this day. You all know the meaning of “Akshaya.”  The charity given on this day yields unlimited fruit.  This is the meaning of Akshaya Tritiya. 

And mainly gold is given as charity on this day. However, people are doing the opposite by purchasing gold on this day.  Rather than donating gold, they are misinterpreting the significance of this day by purchasing gold for themselves.  Instead of donating the gold, they are purchasing gold.  

You will see tomorrow that the rate of gold will rise drastically as all wealthy people will want to buy it.  Even the not-so wealthy ones will want to purchase gold believing that by doing so it will invite  Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) into their homes. 

So those who are wealthy should donate gold tomorrow.  Others should also donate according to their capacity.  This is the main significance.  Other than that, you should also engage your body and mind in the service of God.  This has to be done always by everyone whether rich or poor.  After all, we only have these three with us – our body, mind and wealth with which we can serve and worship God.  

Thus, every holy day reminds us to serve God.  Akshaya Tritiya is also one such day.

So people tend to give a very worldly interpretation to every holy festival.  However, the purpose of every holy festival is to remind us of God in every possible way.  In our country, every foot of land is a place of pilgrimage and everyday is a holy day.  

This is done expressly to encourage householders to practise devotion to God so that they may at least receive human birth next time round.  Otherwise, this privilege (human birth) will be snatched away. So charity is the main significance for this holy day tomorrow.  And service to God should be rendered physically and mentally as well.

*A brief introduction of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj*

(Known by His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji)

The original title of Jagadguruttam (Greatest Spiritual Teacher of the World) was bestowed upon Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 1957, by Kashi Vidvat Parishad (a council of 500 greatest scholars saints of India). He composed divine texts like Prem Ras Madira, Prem Ras Siddhant, and Radha Govind Geet to lead us on the right path of devotion. He also gave priceless monuments as gifts to the world which include Bhakti Mandir located in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, Prem Mandir located in Vrindavan Dham, and Kirti Mandir located in Barsana Dham. Shri Maharaj Ji also built hospitals for the impoverished, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Vrindavan, Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Barsana, and another one in Pratapgarh. All three help millions of underprivileged to gain free access to medical care. His Kindergarten, School, and College for impoverished girls Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education is located in Kunda and provides completely free education.