Akshaya Navami is considered a highly sacred festival in Hinduism, which is being celebrated on October 31st this year. It is believed that the fruits of worship, charity, and fasting performed on this day never diminish. The worship of the Amla (Indian gooseberry) tree holds special significance, and it is believed to bring the permanent abode of Lakshmi to the home, along with health and prosperity.
Akshaya Navami: This sacred festival is being celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm across the country on October 31st this year. Akshaya Navami is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also known as Amla Navami. In many regions, including North India, people perform worship, observe fasts, and venerate the Amla tree on this day, as it is believed that lighting a lamp and performing puja under the Amla tree brings blessings of wealth, health, and mental peace. According to religious belief, the Satya Yuga (Golden Age) also began on this very day.
What is Akshaya Navami and why is this day special?
In the Sanatana tradition, Akshaya Navami holds a very sacred place. The word 'Akshaya' means that which never diminishes or perishes, and the fruits of worship, charity, and religious activities performed on this day remain eternal. According to scriptures, this is the day when the Satya Yuga began, hence it is also considered a festival of new beginnings and spiritual purification.
Akshaya Navami is also known as Amla Navami in many places. The Amla (Indian gooseberry) tree is considered dear to Lord Vishnu. Puranas describe that devout worship of the Amla tree bestows health, wealth, and mental peace.
On this day, there is a tradition of specially worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, observing fasts, and venerating the sacred Amla tree. It is believed that performing puja and lighting lamps under the Amla tree leads to the permanent residence of Lakshmi in the home.
Religious Significance of Amla
Amla is not only a fruit rich in medicinal properties, but it is also considered extremely auspicious religiously. In Ayurveda, it is regarded as a fruit that purifies the body and protects against diseases. The Vishnu Purana states that Lord Vishnu himself resides in the Amla tree. Therefore, worshipping the Amla tree brings good health and spiritual progress.
Why is Amla Worshipped on Akshaya Navami?
Scriptures describe this day as an opportune time to receive special blessings from deities. By worshipping the Amla tree, one can remove negative energy, financial troubles, and mental stress from their life. It is believed that worship performed on this day leads to the destruction of all sins and brings progress in every aspect of life.
Where and How is this Tradition Celebrated?
Akshaya Navami is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various parts of the country, especially in North India. Special pujas (worship rituals) are held in temples, and people sit and have meals with their families under the Amla tree, a practice known as ‘Amla Bhoj’. In many regions, women also observe fasts for the longevity of their husbands and the prosperity of their families.
Auspicious Rituals to Perform on Akshaya Navami
The remedies mentioned below are simple and can be performed at home or in a temple. It is believed that these rituals attract wealth, happiness, and good fortune.
1. Lighting a Lamp Under the Amla Tree
Lighting a ghee lamp under the Amla tree on the evening of Akshaya Navami is considered highly auspicious. If there is no Amla tree nearby, a lamp can be lit near a potted plant or in a Lord Vishnu temple. It is believed that this opens the doors to wealth and happiness in life and removes negativity.
2. The Amla and Red Thread Ritual
On the night of Navami, wrap a red sacred thread (kalawa) seven times around an Amla fruit and place it in your treasury or place of wealth. This ritual is believed to bring permanent wealth growth and financial stability. The Amla is considered dear to Lord Vishnu, and the red thread symbolizes auspiciousness and protection.
3. Donating Amla
Donating Amla to the poor and needy on this festival is considered auspicious. It is said that donating Amla brings double merit and pleases Maa Lakshmi.
4. Offering Amla to Lord Vishnu
On this day, Amla should be offered to Lord Vishnu. Consuming it as prasad (sacred offering) after the puja bestows happiness, health, and success.
Importance of this Festival in Modern Life
In today's fast-paced life and stressful environment, people seek mental peace and positive energy. Festivals like Akshaya Navami provide an opportunity for mental balance, spirituality, and spending time with family. Through traditions, people connect with their roots, bringing stability to life.
