17/11/2018
Akshaya Navami || Khushmanda Navami || Amla Navami
Akshaya Navami is observed on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Kartik month in North India. The popular belief is that all rituals and prayers offered on this day will be answered and it will help the person in the path of Moksha or liberation. The day is of great significance in North India especially in Varanasi.
Akshaya Navami
It is believed that Satya Yuga began on the day of Akshaya Navami. Hence Akshaya Navami day is also known as Satya Yugadi and it is very significant for all sorts of Daan-Punya activities. As the name Akshaya suggests, the reward of doing any charitable or devotional activities on this day would never diminish and would benefit the person not only in this life but also in next incarnations.
After taking bath in the Ganges (the Kartik Snan is performed in this month), women perform a day-long vrat and the rituals and pujas are held on the banks of the Ganges with the help of a priest.
For the rituals, 30 squares are drawn using turmeric and it is known as Kotha. Each square is filled with grains, pulses and food items. This ritual is essentially for a rich harvest and for a continuous stock of food grains.
The popular belief is that the Dwapara Yuga – the third Yuga as per Hindu tradition – began on this day.
This Navami is also known as Kushmanda Navami as Lord Vishnu is believed to have vanquished Demon Kushmanda and thus helping annihilating Adharma.
The day is also known as Amala Navami. Traditionally Amla tree is worshipped on the auspicious day of Akshaya Navami. In West Bengal, the very same day is observed as Jagaddhatri Puja when the Goddess of Satta, Jagaddhatri is worshipped.
Legend has it that Lord Surya (Sun God) worshipped Goddess Durga on this day and was rewarded properties that is in possession of him. Therefore it is believed that which is given on the day will never be destroyed but will only result in growth .
In North Indian states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, ‘Parbhat Pheri, a procession dedicated to Lord Krishna and Sun God, is performed in the mornings. Sankirtan and bhajans are sung during the Parbhat Pheri of Akshay Navmi. This day is popularly known as Akshay Navami Parikrama Divas in North India.
In the Kartik month,shukla Paksha and Ashtmi tithi is considered best for charity. Many legends are associated with this day. It is believe that on this day
1) Surya Dev(the Sun God) worshiped goddess Durga to acquire its properties because of which he is lighting the whole world.
2) Bharat met Lord Rama after 14 years.
3) It is considered auspicious to eat food under the Amla tree.this ritual is associated with good health.
4) Satya yug also began on this day.
5) The amla fruit is considered as divine fruit of Lord Vishnu.This is the ripening time of this fruit.
6) Tulasi tree is manifistation of goddess Lakshmi and Amla tree is the manifestation of Narayama
