Devotee:
Gurudev, today is Akshay Tritiya. To describe the significance of Akshay Tritiya, one has to look through many religions and perspectives. From that standpoint, could you explain how we can attain the virtues of Akshay Tritiya, or help us understand its significance better?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Akshay Tritiya is observed throughout India. It is celebrated in all the temples of gods and goddesses. It is a very special Tithi (lunar day). It is observed every year on the third lunar day of the bright fortnight in the month of Baisakh.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The first thing to know is that Parashuram was born on this day. This is a very significant event for us. Parashuram is the sixth avatar of Lord Narayan. He is still alive; he is immortal (Chiranjeevi). It is said that he will remain to fight alongside Kalki (the final avatar) at the end of the Kaliyuga.
Devotee:
He is known to be the master of all weapons.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, he will provide the knowledge of weapons to Kalki. Kalki is currently in a very secret location, receiving training as he grows. Parashuram will impart all his knowledge of weaponry to him and make him complete. Even though Kalki is an incarnation of Narayan, Parashuram will assist him with this knowledge. Because of the times we are in, Narayan will have to descend with immense power. This isn't just about Ravana or some other singular threat; it is a massive, terrifying crisis. Therefore, Narayan will manifest as Kalki with unprecedented strength.
Devotee:
People say he is the most powerful avatar.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You could say that. There are also seven Chiranjeevis (immortals) who will assist him. They will be by his side. There will also be 72,000 highly skilled soldiers with Kalki. This is what has been described. I cannot speak for the ultimate truth of it, but this is what is said in texts like the Chaitanya Bhagavat or the Bhavishya Malika. If you read those, you will understand much more.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Additionally, today is the day of Chandan Yatra. The Dolyatra of Narayan starts from today. Sandalwood (Chandan) is applied to the deity because it is summer, and it keeps him cool. Sandalwood is both auspicious and cooling. In the past, during the heat, people would apply sandalwood paste to soothe pain and burning sensations.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
On this day, Goddess Annapurna fed Lord Shiva to satisfy his hunger. Also, in the Dwapara Yuga, Krishna gave the Akshay Patra (an inexhaustible vessel) to Draupadi. As long as she had it, there was never a shortage of food, no matter where they went.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Once, Duryodhana tried to trap them by sending the sage Durvasa to their home. Duryodhana had served Durvasa well and then requested him to visit the Pandavas with all his disciples, knowing the Pandavas would have no food left to offer. Durvasa arrived and said they were going to bathe and would return to eat. At that time, Draupadi had already finished her meal, which meant the vessel would be empty for the day.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They were worried about what to feed the sage. When Krishna arrived, he took a tiny leaf or grain left in the vessel and said he was satisfied. Because Krishna (the soul of the universe) was satisfied, the hunger of Durvasa and all his thousands of disciples was instantly vanished. Duryodhana's plot failed.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Durvasa was known for his quick temper and curses. Nowadays, curses don't seem to work because people have fallen so low spiritually that even a Brahmin's curse has lost its traditional impact. In the past, curses were terrifying. For instance, Gandhari's curse led to the destruction of the Yadu dynasty and Krishna's departure. Or consider Ashwatthama—Krishna cursed him to wander the earth for thousands of years with a festering wound on his head after his gem was removed. Even today, some claim to have seen a tall figure in the forests or visiting doctors to heal a wound that never stops bleeding.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Furthermore, this day marks the transition from the Satya Yuga to the Treta Yuga (the era of Lord Rama). This is why the day is so revered. For householders, it is considered very auspicious. We see women wearing Alta (red dye), applying vermillion, feeding sweets, and offering alms. This day is also highly significant in Jainism. I remember the women of our neighborhood going from house to house to perform these rituals. Much of that is lost now; you don't see it in the markets anymore.
Devotee:
Gurudev, it is also said that the Ganges descended to Earth on this day.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, the descent of the Ganges is associated with this day. Not only that, but Kubera received immense wealth on this day by worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and satisfying Lord Shiva. This is why people perform Lakshmi-Kubera Puja today.
Devotee:
In Jainism, as you mentioned, it is very important. Their first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, broke his 13-month fast on this day by drinking sugarcane juice.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, the significance is similar across our traditions.
Devotee:
Gurudev, people are also told to buy gold and silver on this day. What is the reason?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the old days, people would give "Bhojya" (food offerings/alms) to Brahmins. There is a mantra for this: "Akshaya Swarga Kamanaya"—meaning, one who feeds a Brahmin on this day desires eternal residence in heaven. It brings great spiritual merit. This was a very common practice in my youth, though we see less of it now. Also, shops start their "Haal Khata" (new accounting books) today.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Whatever deed you do today—whether it is a sin or a virtuous act—it is said that the result remains "Akshay" (undecaying) for 60,000 years. This is why people strive to do good today. Everyone wants to attain that eternal heaven.
Devotee:
Gurudev, you often mention Kedarnath and Badrinath. Is it true their doors open today?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. The doors of the four Dhams—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri—open today after being closed for six months. During the winter, the deities are brought down to lower elevations due to the cold, and today they are carried back up in a procession to their main temples.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Additionally, the composition of the Mahabharata is said to have started today. In Puri, the construction of the chariots for the Ratha Yatra also begins on this day. So many important things are tied to this date.
Devotee:
But Gurudev, as you said, the times have changed. How much of this significance remains relevant today?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It's almost gone. I am a Brahmin, and I see that these traditions have vanished from the common consciousness. People don't know. 99% of people today don't understand the depth of this day. The tradition of charity is the biggest part of it. It's like "Zakat" in Islam, where a portion of wealth is given to the needy. Charity on this day brings immense rewards.
Devotee:
You mentioned earlier that curses don't work anymore.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I said that clearly. People have descended so far into spiritual decay that these things don't affect them.
Devotee:
So, how relevant is the merit of this day in the current age?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It's nearly zero in the hearts of men because they have forgotten it. But the cycle is turning. There are perhaps only 6 or 7 years left. After that, the Satya Yuga will begin. Kaliyuga will end, and it will be a terrifying transition. Millions, even billions, will perish.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is predicted that out of the 140 crore people in India, only 33 crore will remain. Out of 800 crore people worldwide, perhaps 750 crore will die. Only about 31 to 65 crore people will survive globally to see the new age. A great war is coming, and after that, everything will be reset. Those who survive will see a new beginning, a peaceful world.
Devotee:
Pronam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pronam.