BhaktiLoopAkshay Navami
Akshay Navami is considered an extremely auspicious day for Hindus. 'Akshay' means 'imperishable' or 'never diminishing', signifying that any good deed (charity, prayers, good acts, donations) performed on this day yields everlasting merit and blessings. It is primarily dedicated to the worship of the Amla (Indian Gooseberry) tree, which is believed to be an abode of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on this day. It is also believed to mark the beginning of the Satya Yuga.
Key Rituals & Practices
- Amla Tree Worship:** Devotees worship the Amla (Indian Gooseberry) tree, circumambulating it (Parikrama), offering water, milk, flowers, rice, and tying sacred threads around its trunk. It's believed that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi reside in the tree on this day.
- Charity and Donations:** Performing acts of charity, such as donating Amla fruits, food, clothes, money, or other items to Brahmins, the poor, and the needy, is highly emphasized, as the merit is considered everlasting.
- Fasting (Vrat):** Many devotees observe a fast on this day, breaking it after the Amla tree worship and consuming Amla fruit or dishes.
- Puja and Prayer:** Special prayers and pujas are offered to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Eating under Amla Tree:** It is considered auspicious to have meals, especially those including Amla preparations, under the shade of an Amla tree with family and friends.
- Consumption of Amla:** Eating Amla fruit or dishes made from Amla is considered beneficial for health and spiritual well-being on this day.
- Braj Mandal Parikrama:** In Vrindavan and the Braj region, Akshay Navami marks the beginning of the annual Braj Mandal Parikrama (circumambulation of the sacred land of Braj).
Associated Deities
Hindu Calendar Details
Hindu Month
Kartik
Paksha
Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight)
Tithi
Navami (ninth day)
Regional Relevance & Variations
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Historical & Mythological Context
According to various Hindu scriptures and traditions, Akshay Navami is significant for several reasons: - It is believed to be the day when the Satya Yuga, the first and most virtuous of the four Yugas (epochs), began. - Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are said to reside in the Amla tree and its fruit on this day, making its worship particularly potent. - In the Braj region, it is believed that Lord Krishna began his childhood 'Lilas' (divine pastimes) in the forests of Vrindavan on this day. - Some traditions also associate this day with Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana (though Diwali is more commonly observed for this event, Akshay Navami also holds significance for some).
Alternative Names
Gregorian Date
Varies annually, typically late October or November (9th day of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month)