Disciple:
Greetings, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Greetings, greetings. Yes, tell me.
Disciple:
Akshaya Tritiya is approaching. I would like to learn more about the significance of this day from you.
Gurudev:
Regarding Akshaya Tritiya—well, "Akshaya" means that whatever good deeds one performs on this day usually become imperishable or immortal. For example, if you donate to someone on Akshaya Tritiya, that act of charity remains with you. In times of future trouble, you will receive the fruits of that merit back. That is the essence of "Akshaya."
Gurudev:
Now, there are many other aspects to Akshaya Tritiya. It is the birthday of Parashurama, which is why it is also called Parashurama Jayanti. It falls on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Baishakh.
Gurudev:
On this auspicious day, the construction of the chariots for Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra begins. Additionally, the doors to the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples are opened. When they close the temples for the winter, a lamp is lit that stays burning for six months; on this day, the doors are reopened. This is why the day is very important to us.
Gurudev:
The Vedas also speak of this day. Generally, we Bengalis believe in buying gold or silver on this day, thinking that it will lead to lifelong prosperity and well-being. This is a common practice among Bengalis. The Jain religion also holds this day in high regard. It is significant for both Hindus and Jains.
Gurudev:
While people buy things, I tell them one thing: donate. If you donate on this day, the merit becomes "Akshaya" (inexhaustible). When a person falls into danger, they receive the merit of that donation. This is my perspective.
Gurudev:
Furthermore, on this day, Bhagiratha brought the Goddess Ganga down to Earth. This adds to the day's immense significance. To recap: Kedarnath and Badrinath open, Bhagiratha brings Ganga, and it is Parashurama's birthday. Many such events are combined and celebrated on this day.
Disciple:
And I believe on this day, Lord Mahadev was pleased with Kubera's penance and granted him immense wealth?
Gurudev:
Yes, Kubera performed penance, and Mahadev was satisfied and granted him wealth. We say, "Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Danadhapataye..." We worship the Yakshas. Often, we say that "Yaksha's wealth" doesn't stay or cannot be kept easily.
Gurudev:
On this day, a Yantra of Mahalakshmi is prepared, called the Kubera Yantra. Kubera was a Yaksha, and Ravana was his brother, a Rakshasa (demon). They had the same father, but Ravana's mother was a Rakshasi, while Kubera's mother was a Yakshini.
Gurudev:
There was a struggle between Ravana and Kubera. Kubera had the Pushpaka Vimana (celestial chariot), and he was always afraid that Ravana would steal it. Lord Brahma had blessed Ravana with many boons because he was a powerful Brahmin.
Gurudev:
When Ravana's father asked him about his immortality, Ravana said, "I am a Rakshasa; no god can kill me." When asked about humans or monkeys, he dismissed them, saying they were his food and not worth mentioning. Brahma left that loophole. Lord Narayana had to take four incarnations—Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna—to kill Ravana. And they did kill him.
Gurudev:
However, Ravana was a very powerful and scholarly Brahmin. After killing a Brahmin, Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna went to Kedarnath to atone for the sin of "Brahma Hatya" (killing a Brahmin). Because Mahadev had blessed Ravana, he did not initially forgive them. He told them that the sin they committed was equal to Brahma Hatya. Kedarnath did not immediately grant them absolution.
Gurudev:
You can find this in the Puranas—they couldn't get rid of the sin easily. Rama had to wander for a long time carrying the burden of that sin. He was not at peace. Eventually, he gave up his body in the waters of the Sarayu River.
Disciple:
We were discussing Akshaya Tritiya, and all these stories are related. But Gurudev, given the current state of the world, how can people maintain peace and prosperity?
Gurudev:
Peace and prosperity? They have reached rock bottom. Nothing can be easily achieved now.
Disciple:
There is no peace. As you say, "Shanti matigachhati" (Peace is passing away).
Gurudev:
Peace is gone. It no longer exists. People are surviving on their own self-confidence, or by trying to live well without harming others. But no one is truly happy; no one is at peace.
Gurudev:
This is like a curse. The year 2025... I was going to mention this. It feels like a cursed year. The world might face destruction; the human race might suffer. A new generation might emerge. There are many possibilities. Wars could break out—terrible wars. You can see it happening. I hoped India wouldn't get involved, but look, India is now embroiled in tensions with Pakistan. No one will be spared. No matter how much we hope to stay well, we cannot. No one will be truly safe.
Disciple:
I won't bring up any more heavy topics. I will end this video here. On this holy occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, may you all stay healthy and well. May peace and prosperity come to everyone's life.
Gurudev:
Yes.
Disciple:
Greetings, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Greetings, greetings.