Vaishnodevi Yatra or Pilgrimage

Vaishno Devi at the top of Trikuta Parvat is an ancient holy pilgrimage temple. Vaishno Devi is situated 61-km north of Jammu and 14-km from Katra. Its a four-hour (13-km) climb from Katra. The best time to come is March to July, as th rest of the time of the year it can be very cold. The main pilgrimage time is March-April and September-October during the two main Navratra or Navratri's .

This shrine is situated in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. You can get their by air, train,bus
( private as well as public transport) or car.

At Katra
To visit Vaishnodevi a parchi or ticket is required. These can be bought online at http://www.maavaishnodevi.org/status1.asp or the tour operator can arrange these or they can be bought at the parchi or ticket counter at Katra.Once a ticket is purchased the yatra can commence. There are many places of worship or milestones (minor temples) on the way to Vaishno Mata as a devotee climbs Trikuta Parvat. Once you reach the Darshani Darwaza the closest is Banganga.

Darshani Darwaza
The gateway is the Darshani Darwaza which is approx 1 km from the parchi or ticket counter. It is so named because it is the point from where the yatra is really deemed to commence and thus becomes the doorway or Darwaza for Darshan. Pilgrims cover this stretch either on foot, or on auto rickshaws or by the bus service which is operated by the Shrine Board free of charge for the pilgrim.

Also called by some as the Bhumika Temple. Darshani Darwaza, 1-km from Katra, is where as per legend the Goddess Vaishno Mata disappeared. This place is called Darsani Darwaza because the Trikut mountain is visible from here Trikuta Parvat is three high peaks that are the abodes of the Goddess Vaishno Devi.

Banganga

The first pit stop is Banganga. Banganga is located at some distance from Darshani Darwaza. There is the sloping road to follow or stone stairs ( from time to time) which one can climb. some people also travel by ponies, or palkhi's or dandi's ( palanquin carried on the shoulders of men) but personally I think there is no greater pleasure than walking up Trikuta Parvat hrough all the pitstops from Banganga to Adhkwari, using your own two feet. The entire 13 km route is quite wide and tiled. It can be easily traveled on by night and day. The whole path is lit up every night by powerful sodium vapour lamps. The whole route is swept and cleaned from time to time throughout the day. Yatris are requested to keep the path clean. Shelter cum sheds and shelter cum cafeterias are setup throughout the route. Pure vegetarian food is available at these outlets. Price charts are exhibited at all these outlets prominently. Drinking water has been made available all along the route, with water coolers and storage facilities.The Shrine Board has an office at Banganga which remains open round the clock for attending to an resolving the difficulties of the pilgrims. The Police Department has set up a Police Post at Banganga that remains open round the clock. The Yatra Parchi is checked and stamped at the Banganga Check Post. This is done to prevent people who do not possess a Yatra Parchi from proceeding for the Yatra. A pilgrim must cross Banganga Check Post within 6 hrs of obtaining the Yatra Parchi. Banganga is only 1 ½-km from the Yatra Parchi counter. The Banganga Check Post remains open round the clock.

Banganga is the place where an arrow was pierced into the earth/ground and from which sprouted the Ganga or Ganges so that Vaishno Mata and her devotee ( some believ it was Hanuman others name him Veer Langoor) could have a drink of water an quench their thirst.
The legend goes that after the Goddess Vaishno Mata left the Bhumika Temple, she went to the Trikuta Hills passing through here. At this time, Langoor Vir (Veer Langur) felt thirsty. The Goddess shot an arrow into the stone and a holy river was produced, now known as Ban Ganga. It is called Ban Ganga because the Goddess washed her hair at this place. Ban Ganga is about 3-km from Katra.

Present day it is a stream offshoot of the Ganga and there is a spot where there are steps leading down to the stream. Some devotees believe in bathing here others in washing their faces, hands and feet and quenching their thirst before they continue on their journey. Many fill flasks and containers of Ganga Jal and all offer prayers and obeisances at Banganga.

Charan Paduka
Next Is Charan Paduka. 2 ½ -kms from Darshani Darwaza at a height of 3,200 feet above sea level is the place known as Charan Paduka. There is an impression of Mata's feet on a rock at Charan Paduka. A small temple has been constructed over this rock at Charan Paduka. There is a State Government run First Aid Centre here.

The legend states that the Goddess Vaishno Mata stopped for some time while Bhairon was chasing her. Her footprints are supposed to be visible on a stone at this place. Charanpaduka means ” holy footprints.” It is about 1.5-km from Ban Ganga

Ardhkawari

6-kms from Darshani Darwaza at a height of 4200 feet above sea level is the place known as Ardhkawari.The Shrine Board has constructed a large complex at Ardhkawari. Free Dharmshalas, rooms on rent, a post office, a medical dispensary, a chemist shop, a bank, a pony stand and a large number of shops are available at Ardhkawari. The Shrine Board also runs a Bhojanalya at Ardhkawari which is open round the clock every day. Hygienically cooked food at subsidized rates is available for the pilgrims from this Bhojanalya. Blankets are also available free of cost for the pilgrims at Ardhkawari. The shops here also sell puja items and lal chunari's to give to Vaishno Mata> however many devotees prefer to bring their own lal chunari or buy from trusted vendors to ensure that their lal chunari is fresh and new.

Pilgrims first go to the temple at Adhkawari and then enter the narrow cave of 15 ft known as Garbh Joon. At most places the cave is not more than two feet wide. Inspite of this people of all sixes are able to crawl though it. This cave is believed to be symbolic of the womb. The legend states that Garbha Joon where the Goddess hid herself for nine months and showed her self to a saint. The cave is narrow, and you have to almost crawl all the way though it. When Bhairon entered the cave, the Goddess made a new opening with her trident and ran away. Ardh Kuwari is 4.5-km from Charan Paduka

After ArdhKuwari the path gets very steep for 2.5-km. This ascent is called Hathi Matha ascent, because the mountain is shaped like the forehead of an Elephant. It is best to use the footpath rather than the stairs, as the climb will be easier. From here it is another 1,500-ft climb to Sanjhi Chatt, and from there another 4-km to the carve.


Sanji Chhat

9 ½-kms from Darshani Darwaza lies Sanji Chhat at an altitude of 5,870 feet above sea level. It is a delightful little plateau which affords a panoramic view of the Pir Panjal Range and the Chenab river wending its way majestically to Pakistan. At its feet, as it were, lies sprawled the town of Katra, the base camp of the yatra.

Vaishno Mata's Bhawan

12-kms from Darshani Darwaza and 2 ½ -kms from Sanji Chhat lies the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. It is located at an altitude of 5,200 feet above sea level. The climb up the mountain ceases at Sanji Chhat. The track levels out and the pilgrims have to trek over a flat stretch for almost 2-kms before they begin to descend. The descent carries on for almost half a kilometre till one reaches the area of the holy Shrine - the destination of all the pilgrims who throng to Katra in thousands every day.Please note that cameras, handycams, leather goods, mobile phones are strictly not allowed into the Bhawan and have to be left outside. This strictly includes shoes and wallets and hanbags.

The entrance to the shrine is wide and tiled but arrows down further down until the holy Pindi's (the 3 svayambhu stones of Mata MahaSaraswati, Mata MahaLakhsmi and Mata Mahakali or Mahagauri Vaishno Mata) representative of Mata Vaishnodevi.

The Aarti

The two-hour long Aarti or Prayer is performed twice a day, first at sunrise and again at sunset. The holy cave is closed to pilgrims at this time. Only the Pujaris or priests, Sahayaks or the attendants and an officer is permitted in the holy premises.

The priests chants out loud the 108 names of Goddess Durga. Then they perform Atam Puja for their own purification. This is followed by Tilak - urging the gods to grant the priests health, chant of “Pratigya Sankalp” - vow to worship the three deities, bathing of Lord Ganesh, Surya and Chandrama symbols. Then the holy Pindies are bathed with water and the five Amrits: Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey and Sugar.

"Pashupatinath" is then given a bath with Panchamrit. This is followed by a general cleaning of the area of the sanctum sanctorum. Ganga water is poured over the holy Pindies. The priests chant “Devyapradh Kshamapan Stotram” or the mantras seeking forgiveness for their sins. Meanwhile the preparations for the adorning of the sacred Pindies go on.

Vaishno Devi Darshan

The temple here is located in a cave, At the end of the cave are the three deities, consecrated as “Pindies” (rocks ) of Maha-Lakshmi (middle), Maha -Saraswati ( on the left side), and Maha Kali (on the right side.)This cave is 5,200 feet above sea level. There is a lamp here that is always lit. This is the only temple in India where all three Goddesses are worshipped in the same place. Before entering the cave, pilgrims take bath in the water coming out of the cave.
When I had visited the place as a child devotees would distribute 25 paise coins stating that pilgrims were to push them into the walls of the tunnel/cave before darshan of the shrine or to eave them at Vaishno Mata's feet. I still remember being amazed at the number of 25 paise coins that had been pressed into the walls on both sides as we walked towards the shrine.


On a busy festival you may have to wait several hours up to your knees in cold water. You walk about 100ft in the knee deep water and then up four steps to see the pindies.

The Sri Ram Temple
The Sri Ram Temple is near Vaishno Devi cave. There is a Shiva-linga in a cave 125 steps down from the Ram Temple which has a steady stream of water trickling over it around the year.

Kal Bhairav or Bhairon Temple
This temple is about 2.5-km from Vaishno Devi cave at about 6,700 feet. It is traditional to visit this temple after visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple.

The legend states that Bhairon (Bhairav) was absolved of all sins when Durga killed him.
When Bhairon was killed by the Goddess his head flew to this place. There is a huge stone outside the cave that represents the body of Bhairon. After he was killed, her prayed to the Goddess to forgive him. It is said that the Goddess gave the benediction that the desires of her devotees who visit this place would be fulfilled.

Things to Remember

• Do not discard the yatra parch or ticket after purchase. The tickt is to be used within 6 hours of purchase. Online tickets may be different. Kindly check at the website given above.
  
• Take official receipts for all payments made to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board as well as private vendors.
• Avail of the services of only registered people be it pithu, pony or the dandiwalla and keep his token for the period he is engaged.
• Contact the announcement counters of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board at Katra, Banganga, Adhkawari and Darbar for locating missing persons.
• The first station beyond Darshani Darwaza is Banganga. Ponies and Palkis are available for hire at Banganga on rates fixed by the State Government.
  
• Use only the donation boxes provided at various places by Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board. In case of donations at the donation counters of the Board at Katra (Central Office/ Vishram Ghar), Adhkawari, Sanjichhat and various points at the Bhawan obtain a formal receipt.
• Avoid overstraining on the climb and prefer the track over the stairs and stick to either of the paths.
• Luggage and belongings should not be deposited with unauthorised persons or left unguarded at the bathing ghats.
• Qualified doctors are available at the Primary Health Centre, Katra, Adhkawari and Bhawan - Open round the clock. The Evening Clinic, Katra Bus Stand - Open 2.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Sanji Chhat also has a First Aid Centre. A very large hospital has also constructed for the shrine Board by the Sagar Suri Trust at Sanji Chhat. Two helipads have also been constructed at Sanji Chhat.
• Clothing - Light woollens required at night during the summer months. Heavy woollens required during the remaining part of the year.
• For first timers dont try and walk up and try to return home straight after. Keep a resting period after the darshan before traveling to your home or next destination as your legs will land up hurting like hell after darshan.You may want to keep a suitable painkiller ( as per your doctors advise) handy for post darshan pains.
  

There are a large number of Dharmshalas at Vaishno Devi Ji which provide free accommodation to the pilgrims.Blankets are also available for the pilgrims free of cost. Security has, however, to be deposited for taking the blankets. This security is refunded as soon as the blankets are returned to the blanket store. These blankets are regularly washed in the automatic laundry plant that has been installed by the Shrine Board at Vaishnodevi Ji. The Shrine Board also provides a few rooms on rent to the pilgrims at Vaishnodevi Ji.

A large number of privately run shops serve food and snacks to the pilgrims. In addition, the Shrine Board runs a Bhojanalaya at Vaishno Devi Ji which is open rounded the clock. A medical dispensary, a chemist shop, a post office, a telephone exchange, two banks and a Police station also function at Vaishno Devi Ji. The Shrine is open for Darshan round the clock every day except for two hours in the morning (from 6.00 am to 8.00 am) and for two hours in the evening (from 6.00 am to 8.00 am) when the Aarti is performed. There is also an ISKCON temple at Katra.

All in all its an exhilarating experience and one feels blessed after darshan. An experience I will remember all my life.

How to get to Vaishnodevi

Air:
The nearest airport is in Jammu, which is 48-km from Katra. There is a helicopter service that departs from the airport at Sanjhi Chat in Jammu in the morning.

Rail:
The nearest railway station is in Jammu, which is well connected to all the major cities in India.

Road:
There are regular buses leaving for the 52-km trip from the central bus stand in Jammu to where the road ends at Katra (2 hr). Walking From Katra it is a steep 13-km walk. You can rent a horse or be carried up from Katra. You can go up to the cave and back in the same day. It takes about 4 hours to climb up and 3 hours to come down. Pilgrims must get a Yatra- Slip from the tourist reception center near the bus stand in Katra to get pass to Ban Ganga.

Where to stay

You can stay in Jammu or even better stay at Katra. There are plenty of good hotels in Katra itself ranging from the expensive 5 star such as the Country Inn Suites and the White Orchid to cheapest options such as yatri dharamshalas.

Navratri Garba preparations

Navratri Garba preparations in Mumbai and Ahmedabad

photos Kevin Antao/

Shradhs or Pitru Paksha

A shradh is a Hindu ritual performed by the living for the benefit of the soul (aatma) of relatives who have passed away. It is believed that by performing a shradh one seeks and receives the blessings of our pitr or ancestors and also prays and gives daan (by performing a yagna) for the peace and happiness of the pitr and the souls of those pitr who have taken rebirth on this earth.

Shradhs are performed every year on the shradh day of the dead person which is calculated as per the Hindu calendar or tithi or panchang. It is calculated on the basis of the death day of the deceased and falls within the period of Pitru Paksh which comes every year between Ganapati visarjan time in Mumbai and Navratri during the ashwin month of the Hindu Calender.

Shradh is usually performed for three generations of Pitrs - the father, the grand-father and the great grand-father, or for upto 7 generations of Pitrs or for all Pitrs. A havan or yagna is performed under the guidance of a priest whereby oblations are made/proferred into the fire while praying for the ell being and blessings of our pitr. Brahmins are fed sattvic /vaishno food.Sattvic/Vaishno food is also offered to a cow and a crow and to poor people. At my home the havan is always followed by a meal consisting of Puri's, rasevaley aloo,cholay and sooj ka halwa.

Shradhs are also considered by many to be inauspicious to start new projects or for purchasing new assets re.g. a house or car or new jewelery or make investments or for marriages or new business deals or transactions.

This year Pitru Paksh begins after Poornima on 15th September, 2008 and ends with the last shradh called Mahalaya Shradh or Sarvapitru Shradh on 29th september, 2008. On the last shradh tithi shradh may be done for all pitru.

A separate type of Shradh is also performed soon after the death of a person.

To ensure that the soul does not remain in a subtle body hovering on this earth planet, but will attain a comfortable body for enjoyment on pitr loka, offerings are made to the departed person and the pitrs. During the asauca period daily offerings of sesame and water, and pinda (rice mixed with sesame, ghee and honey) are given to the departed person. On the eleventh day (for a close relative of a brahmana) the house is purified, eleven brahmanas are fed and offerings are made to the deceased. Beginning on that day, for the first year, monthly sraddha ceremonies should be held. As well, in the sixth and twelfth month additional sraddhas should be conducted. Then every year, on the tithi of the decease, annual sraddhas should be conducted.

THE RITUAL OF SHRAADDH
From the Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva,
Section LXXXIV + Sec.XCII

Bhishma said: When my father Santanu of great energy departed from this world, I proceeded to Gangadwara for performing his Shraaddh. My mother, Jahnavi, coming there, rendered great help. Having with a concentrated mind performed all preliminary rites as laid down in the scriptures, I set myself to duly offer the obsequial cake.

Reflecting then, by the light of the scriptures, the conviction soon came upon me that the ordinance does occur in the Vedas that the cake should not be presented into the hand of him whose Shraaddh is performed. The Pitris do not come in their visible forms for taking the cake.

On the other hand, the ordinance provides that it should be presented on the blades of Kusa grass spread on the earth for the purpose. What I did was perfectly consistent with the scriptural ordinance.

In making offerings at Shraaddhs a share is first offered to the deity of fire(Agni). If a portion of the offerings be first made to the deity of fire at a Shraaddh, Rakshasas of regenerate origin cannot then do any injury to such a Shraaddh. Beholding the deity of fire at a Shraaddh Rakshasas fly away from it.

The ritual of Shraaddh is that the cake should first be offered to the deceased father. Next, one should be offered to the grandfather. Next should one be offered to the great-grandfather. Even this is the ordinance in respect of the Shraaddh. Over every cake that is offered, the offerer should with concentrated attention utter the Savitri Mantra. This other Mantra also should be uttered, viz., unto Soma who is fond of the Pitris.

A woman that has become impure in consequence of the advent of her season, or one whose ears have been cut off, should not be allowed to remain where a Shraaddh is being performed. Nor should a woman (for cooking the rice to be offered in the Shraaddh) be brought from a Gotra other than that of the person who is performing the Shraaddh.

While crossing a river, one should offer oblations of water unto one's Pitris, naming them all. One should next offer such oblations of water to one's deceased friends or relatives. From them that cross a river on boats, the Pitris expect oblations of water. Those that know this always offer oblations of water with concentrated attention unto the Pitris. Every fortnight, on the day of the new moon, one should make offerings unto one's deceased ancestors. growth, longevity, energy, and prosperity become all attainable through devotion to the Pitris.

Even this is the high ritual in respect of the Shraaddh. Through Shraaddhs performed on earth the deceased members of ones race become freed from a position of misery. I have thus, O prince of Kuru's race, expounded to thee agreeably with the scriptures, the ordinances in respect of Shraaddhs.

Lalbaugcha Raja 2008

Photos of 2008 Lalbuagcha Raja. AMazing glow on the idol's face. The grey elephants are the decoration for the entrance. Photos are courtesy Paresh.

Ganapati 2008

Some photos.

1.Balgopal Sarvajanik Mandal at Currey Road
2.BEST quarters in Parel
3.Chintamani Chinchpokli Ganeshotsav Mandal
4.Ekta Sarvajanik Mandal’s (Borivili) Ganesh tallest in suburbs
5.Siddhivinayak Ganeshotsav Mandal at Lalbaug

Sri Krishna Janamashtami

Janamashtami ...Sri Kirshna Janamashtami 2008 some photos....from all over

Akshay Trittiya

Akshay Trittiya this year is on May 8th 2008. However in some areas of India the Akshay Tritiya muhurat is to start on May 7th 2008. Please check your local calender for accuracy, sometimes festivals appear through two days of the English calender.

Significance

The word "Akshaya" signifies everlasting or perpetual.
Starting of something or purchasing some valuable on this day
is believed to convey achievement or good luck. Buying gold
on this holy day is believed to the ultimate mark of affluence
and opulence and signifies ever present good fortune.

Akshaya Tritiya, is the third day of the bright-half of
the lunar month of Vaisakha and is considered as one of
the most sacred days of the year.The auspicious time or
muhurats on this dau surpass the best muhurats of the entire
year.According to belief, this day also marks the beginning
of the"SatyaYug" the first of the four Yugs(eras)," Satya",
"Treta", "Dwapar "& Kali", although at present we are in Kaliyuga.

Traditions and Beliefs

The day is generally observed by fasting and worshipping
Lord Vasudeva ( Sri Krishna or Lord Vishnu) with rice grains. A dip in
the Ganges on this day is also considered to be very auspicious.Vedas say
that knowledge gained or charity done on this day isvery fruitful. It is considered to be very lucky day to start new business or venture. Many people buy gold, assets or property on this day. In some traditions a fan, rice, salt, ghee, sugar, vegetables, tamarind,
fruit, clothes, are given in charity. Tulsi water cosnidered holy and
purificatory is sprinkled also in the vicinity of the idol while performing aarti.After puja, meals are allowed. Special pujas are performed by offering barley in the holy fire. All married women and unmarried girls take part in the pujas and homas.Lakshmi kunera homa is believed to be an auspicious homa to be performed on Akshaya Tritiya. The word "Akshaya" is also mentioned in "Silapathikaram" which is one of the greatest works of Tamil literature.

The various homams that can be performed on that day are
1. Ganapathy homam - For the well being of your family.
2 . Shatru shanti homa - To safeguard from ill effects and enemies.
3 . Visit Shiva Vishnu temple.


Bengalis, Jains, Jats, Tamilians all observe this festival
each with their unique rites and rituals.

Akshay Tritiiya is a holy day for Jains as well. People who observe
the year-long alternative day fasting finish their Tapsaya this day.
As per Jain legends, Rishabhdev fasted and meditated for 6 months.
After that he went out to collect food (asked for alms).However no
one knew the procedure of offering food to a monk.Rishabhdev, therefore
could not get to eat for seven months and nine days.Shreyans was the brother
of King Somaprabha. Shreyans recollected from a previous 'life' how to
offer food to a monk. Hence on the third day of the second half of Vaisaakh
(Akshaya Tritya) Rishabhdev got to break his fast.Rishabhdev was the first
Tirthankara of Jains.It is believed that Rishabha invented pottery, painting,
sculpture. So on this day Jains break their fast (Varsitap) by drinking
sugar cane juice and visiting the main temple of Risabhdeva in Palitana.

In Bengal, on the day of the Akshay Tritiiya, "HalKhata" or
ceremony to start the new audit book is performed with the worship of
Lord Ganesha & Devi Lakshmi. Poila Boisakh, the first day of Boisakh
is considered an auspicious day to start a business as well as to
perform the "HalKhata". According to the Hindu customs, many Bangalis choose
to perform the same rites & rituals as Polia Baisakh on the holy day of
"Akshay Tritiya" also. Then as per tradition, rituals are followed including
welcoming customers and holding dinners. Sweets and new year calendars are also
distributed to guests.

For the Jat farming community this festival is known as "Akha Teej".
Early morning, a male member of Jat family goes to field with shovel.
All the animals and birds encountered on the way to the field indicates omens
and predictions for rains and crops.

Akshay Tritiiya is also an occasion for weddings, which are conducted in
mass marriage ceremonies. Gujarat is famous for this traditin. It is considered
an unboojha muhurat.

For tamilians, Thruthiyai is the third day after
the New Moon. Akshayam means also “ growth”. In the tamil month of Chithirai, the thruthiyai
which falls in the Shukla Paksham (valar pirai) is called Akshaya Thruthiyai. Thrythiyai occurs
ever month, but the one in Chithirai is celebrated specially. On every thruthiyai, Chandra darisanam
is considered auspicious.Candana yatra starts on this day, which is celebrated as well
as the day on which treta yuga began. Barley, one of the main ingredients for homa,
which is the yuga dharma of Treta Yuga, was also created on this day. Ganga devi is also
believed to have descended to the earth on this day. FOr tamilians, many people have special
puja on this day. They bathe in a sacred river, give charity, perform japa and offer barley
in a sacred fire, and also offer barley preparations to the deity. Akshaya Tritiya day is
believed the very auspicious day - there's no inauspiciousness or inauspicious muhurats found
today so even checking muhurthas is considered unnecessary.

The tamilian legend associated with Akshaya Trittiya is that Kuchela, the poor friend Of Krishna
went to see Krishna with some aval (poha) tied in his upper cloth. Kannan welcomed Kuchela happily and putting a handful of poha in his mouth uttered the word “Akshayam”. At once, the humble abode of Kuchela became a palace and he became a very prosperous man. Another legend is that Sri Parasurama, the sixth avatara of Vishnu was born on this day. Many people offer tharpanams to forefathers on this day. This is done to incur their blessings. It is very good to worship, Shiva Parvathi, Shriman Narayanan, Sri Lakhmi Devi on this day. Lakshmi is supposed to have chosen this day to worship Lord Kubera on this day,
to be blessed with Kubera Sampath. Krutha Yuga is said on have started this day. Just like a yuga lasts for millions of years, any action done on this day is supposed to yield, benfits, multifold times. Any new venture started on this day will last long and well. So this day is supposed to be auspicious for registering a business deal, buy a new property, open new accounts and last but not least to buy new clothes, jewellery etc. It is the most ideal day to do charity, help the physically challenged, do give financial help for higher studies for the poor. It is said that giving curd rice to others improves longevity of life. Distribution of sweets, helps to get over the obstacles in getting married. Distribution of grains and cereals, prevents accidents
and untimely death. By giving cattle feed, prosperity will increase.

Legends

There are many legends and stories realted to Akshay Trittiya.

The most famous is that according to the Vedas, it was on the
day of Akshay Tritiiya that Veda Vyasa along with Lord Ganesha
started writing the epic, Mahabharata.It is also traditionally
observed as the birthday of Sri Parshuram, the sixth
incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Puranas speak about how Sri Parshurama
reclaimed the land from the sea. Goa and Konkan regions, even today,
are referred to as Parusurama Kshetra.

The "Puranas", holy Hindu scriptures state that when Ved Vyas Rishi requested
Lord Ganesha to help him compose the Mahabharata, Lord Ganesha accepted the offer
only after laying down certain terms. He said to Vyas Rishi that Sri Ganesh would
write the "Slokas" of the Vedas only if Vyash Rishi would match his speed of writing.
If Sri Ganesh had to stop due to Vyas Rishi, he would discontinue writing.
Vyas Rishi accepted the proposal with his own conditions, stating that Lord Sri Ganesha
had to comprehend the meaning of the "Shlokas" before he could write them down.
Vyas Rishi then started composing the epic and used complicated language. The time Lord
Sri Ganesha took to understand the meaning was enough for Vyas Rishi to compose new lines.

As legend also goes, there is a story of a brahmana who had a very good wife but was poor.
Whatever little money he got would spend. He also did not have any children. As per his wife's
requst he went to meet Vasishta Muni/Rishi to know the reason for his suffering. Vasishta
Muni/Rishi told him that in his previous life he was very rich and also had many children, but
he was very stingy and did not spend money even for the welfare of own children. So in this birth
this is the reason for his being poor and without children. The brahmana then asked Vasishta Muni/Rishi why he has a good wife. So the Muni replied that he had observed that the vrata of Vaishaka month for the last 5 days and that gave him a good wife in this birth and also his brahmana birth. The Muni advised him to fast for at least the last 7 days left of Vaishaka month, with devotion to Lord Krsna. It is belileved that since the brahmana observed the vrata of Vaishaka month as stated by the Muni and he got sons, became rich, and ultimately obtained spiritual bliss.

For vaishnavites, this day also coincides with the death anniversary of Sri Vijayadhvaja Tiirtha,
in the lineage of Sri Pejawar Mutt.He is famous for his commentary upon the Srimad Bhagavatam.He lived in the 15th century and his samadhi is in Kanva Tirtha. Vaishnavites believe that there is also a pipal tree by the side of samadhi under which he is believed to have written his commentary.

During the tenure of Sri Pejawar MaTha a special festival is arranged in Sri Krishna Mutt on this
day and the akshaya paatra given by Sri Madhva is offered a special puuja. This akshaya patra
is said to have been given by the Sun god, it is the same pot that Draupadi used to cook in. It is
said that from the time of turning it upwards for use on a day the pot will provide unlimited amounts of foodstuffs for the satisfaction of the Lord.

There is another legend in connection to this pot.

On the Pandavas return to Hastinapur they resided in the palace created for them by the demon Maya Danava. Mayasura built this palace out of gratitude to Sri Krsna for saving him in the forest fire in the Khandava Forest where he was hiding when Agni devoured it. The Rajasurya sacrifice was performed, Duryodhana, being always envious of the Pandavas, came to
the mansion created by Maya Danava's illusions. Bewildered by illusions of many kinds, Duryodhana mistook the solid floor for water and lifted the end of his garment to walk forward on what he thought was shallow water but it was solid floor, and after a few more steps he fell into waist deep water mistaking it for a solid floor. Proud Duryodhana, who was wearing his crown and a costly necklace was very angry, but when he fell into the water everyone laughed, especially Draupadi and Bhima.Yudhisthira tried to check the laughing of all the women in the palace, by raising his hand and his glances. Lord Krsna however, encouraged it by the suggestive gestures of His eyebrows. Humiliated and swearing revenge, Duryodhana turned his face
downwards and went back to Hastinapura.The Kurus then made a conspiracy to trick Yudhisthira into a gambling match by which the Kauravas (Kurus) could cheat the Pandavas out of everything with the dice made from Sakuni's bones. During the match Yudhisthira lost his kingdom, wealth, jewelry, clothing and finally even gambled and lost his wife Draupadi. When Dussasana went to fetch the chaste Draupadi, she said she couldn't come to the assembly as she was undergoing her monthly period, and was only dressed in one piece of cloth (a simple 'sari'). Draupadi had a beautiful bunch of hair which was sanctified at the ceremonial Rajasurya Yajna,
but Dussasana defiled that sacred lady and grabbed her by her hair just to insult her. When he started to pull off her sari just to make her naked, Draupadi, realizing that she had no hope of help from her husbands as they too had been lost, by Yudhisthira being tricked into upholding honour codes and now had no free will to act. Draupadi then prayed to Sri Krsna, and as much 'sari' as Dussasana took from her body, that much was replaced. Lord Krsna, though protecting his surrendered devotee, decided that for their sinful behaviour the Kurus would be
inevitably killed at the Battle of Kuruksetra.

When the Pandavas were exiled to the forest for twelve years after a second gambling match, the Kurus stated that after the completion of twelve years the Pandavas had then to spend one year incognito, thus making thirteen years. If, during the final year the Pandavas's whereabouts were discovered,they again had to spend another twelve years in the forest. Because the Pandavas were concerned how to feed the 'brahmanas' who accompanied them to the forest,
Draupadi Devi was given a pot by the sun god called by Aksayapatra. This pot would never be empty until Draupadi had taken her meal and turned the pot upside down. Then it would produce no more for that day. Once Draupadi had finished cooking and had just taken her meal when the Muni/Rishi Durvasas arrived with many of his disciples. The angry sage Durvasas and his disciples had secretly been asked to go there by the Kauravas who knew that by this time Draupadi would have taken her meal, and if she was unable to offer them anything to eat,
she would incur the wrath of Durvasa. Durvasas and his disciples went to the river to bathe and freshen up before taking their meal. Draupadi, full of anxiety, prayed to Lord Krsna to help her. Lord Sri Krsna then told Draupadi that if there was a morsel of food left he would be satisfied if that were offered by Draupadi to him. Seeing a fragment of rice stuck to the side of the pot, Sri Krsna asked for it, Draupadi offered it to Sri Krsna, and simply by eating that morsel of foodstuffs, all of Rishi Durvasas' men and Durvasa himself became completely full
and satisfied, and out of embarrassment slipped away and didn't come to demand a meal from Draupadi as the Duryodhana had arranged for them to do.

The photos are of Hare Krsna Hare Rama devotees in Navadvipa, cooking prasadam, distributing food, cooking food, and also the deities at Navadvipa. There is also a photo of two elderly Jain ladies at a Kolkotta 2007 Akshay Trittiya festivity. There is a couple at a mass marraige ceremony. Photos of Sri Lakshmi Devi and Sri Parasurama.