What is Aksaya Trtiya?
Aksaya Trtiya, also written Akshaya Tritiya, comes on the third day of the bright fortnight of Vaisakha. The word aksaya means inexhaustible. On this day the 21-day sandalwood festival of Candana Yatra begins. In 2027 Aksaya Trtiya falls on Sunday, 9 May.
Significance
Tradition holds that on this day Treta Yuga began and Ganga Devi came down to earth. Whatever is done for Krishna and His devotees on Aksaya Trtiya is said to bring a benefit that is never lost.
The sandalwood offering is linked to a pastime of Sri Madhavendra Puri, who brought sandalwood to Remuna to anoint the Deity of Gopinatha in summer. Srila Prabhupada translates the verse that tells of the servants' joy:
The servants of Gopīnātha became very pleased to hear that in the summer all the sandalwood pulp would be used to anoint the body of Gopīnātha.
Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila 4.165, translation
How to observe it
Devotees bathe in a sacred river, give in charity, chant japa and offer barley preparations to the Deity, since barley was the grain used in the homa sacrifices of Treta Yuga. At Jagannatha Puri the Candana Yatra takes place at Narendra Sarovara, where pilgrims bathe before entering the temple. Throughout the 21 days, sandalwood paste is offered to the Deity in remembrance of Madhavendra Puri.
Questions
When is Akshaya Tritiya in 2027?
By the Vaishnava calendar for Kurukshetra, Aksaya Trtiya is on Sunday, 9 May 2027. It is the third day of the bright fortnight of Vaisakha.
What is Candana Yatra?
Candana Yatra is the sandalwood festival that begins on Aksaya Trtiya and lasts 21 days. Devotees offer sandalwood paste to the Deity in memory of Madhavendra Puri's service to Gopinatha.
What should I do on Aksaya Trtiya?
Bathe in a sacred river, give in charity, chant japa and offer barley preparations to the Deity. Service to Krishna and His devotees on this day is said never to lose its benefit.
Why is Aksaya Trtiya considered auspicious?
Treta Yuga is said to have begun on this day, and Ganga Devi to have come down to earth. The word aksaya means inexhaustible, and the merit of good deeds done on this day does not decrease.
Reviewed by ISKCON Kurukshetra · Updated
Key facts
- Date
- Sunday, 9 May 2027
- Festival length
- Candana Yatra lasts 21 days
- Offered to the Deity
- Barley preparations and sandalwood paste
- Age begun
- Treta Yuga
Seva for this day
Feed devotees and visitors on this holy day, or begin the Bhagavad-gita course with us.