If you have anything really important you want to set into motion, such as an important sale, purchase, or investment; starting a new class or business; quitting or beginning a new job; initiating a new job search; launching a website or publication; making any important announcement or establishing a significant communication; or beginning a new relationship, whether personal or professional, a really great day is coming up for this on May 3, known as Akshaya Tritiya.
According to Vedic tradition, there are only a few days every year which are considered to be highly auspicious like this. These are known as abuj muhurta (or muhurat), when any “seeds” that we plant have the potential to be especially fruitful. One of these days is Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, the "Golden Day of Eternal Success. It is believed that whatever we set forth this day is indestructible and will “turn to gold." (Akshaya: A/not, and kshaya/destructible).
On Akshaya Tritiya, the Moon transits in its third day (tritiya tithi) after its new Moon phase in the Vaisakha month (April or May); and on this day, the Sun and Moon, who are the King and Queen of the Planetary Kingdom, are both especially "bright" in their exalted constellations of Aries and Taurus. The abuj muhurta is in place all day, but is best in the morning, and you can check the Drik Panchanga (lunar calendar) which will give you the exact tithi period and the most auspicious “puja muhurat time” for your locale.
The Treta Yuga or Age of Silver is said to have commenced on Akshaya Tritiya. Treta Yuga is the second age of humankind which is marked by duty, compassion, morality, and prosperity. Similarly, Akshaya Tritya is considered to be a day of high spiritual energy when a significant bioenergetic reset occurs in the atmosphere. In India, some of the main Himalayan pilgrimage temples open up on this day, after having been closed for the past season. It is also an extra important day for spiritual disciples to do special prayers and practices early in the morning.
Akshaya Tritiya is associated with a multitude of different myths and practices in the Vedic tradition. One of these revolves around the worship of Lakshmi Devi, the goddess of love, beauty, wealth, and harmony. In fact, Lord Kubera, a demi-god of wealth, performs a special puja to Lakshmi on this day. This is especially fitting as Venus (Lakshmi) is also transiting in its exalted sign now (Pisces).
(Art: Sri Kubera Lakshmi With Kalpavriksha, Gomathai and Astalakshmis by Lavanya)
According to another legend, Ved Vyasa began reciting the Hindu epic Mahabharata to Ganesha on Akshaya Tritiya.
Another beautiful tradition associated with this day is of Gangavataranam, the decent of Ganga to the Earth. In addition to being the most sacred river in India, Ganga is first and foremost a potent deity, respectfully referred to as Gangaji and Ganga Maiya (Mother Ganga).
Author David Kinsley described Gangaji as the “distilled essence of compassion in liquid form.” She is always accessible in Her physical form, but is also accessible in spiritual form, and no one is denied her blessing. On Akshaya Tritiya, when the Sun (Shiva) and Moon (Shakti) are simultaneously transiting in their respective signs of exaltation, Shakti descends through Shiva and blesses us with the truth of Her eternal presence and grace.
Ganga Mata, O Mother Goddess of the Waters!
May our thirst be quenched by your Sacred Nourishment.
May the Waters be peaceful, reflecting your Glory to all.
May we be aware of the Nectar of Life you provide for us.
May we remember to remember Thy Divine Grace. (Mother Maya)
Om Gangayei Namaha! Om Jaya Ganga Mata!