Akshaya means ‘that which does not diminish or perish’. Hence, Akshaya Tritiya is believed to bring never ending success and good luck. Every year, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated on the 3rd day of bright half of lunar month of Vaisakha month of Hindu calendar. It is auspicious because Akshaya Tritiya day is devoted to Lord Vishnu as it is observed as the birthday of 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Parashurama. According to description in Puranas, performing Shri Maha Vishnu Pooja on Akshaya Tritiya removes sin and helps in attaining salvation. The Shri Maha Vishnu Puja can be simply performed with Tulsi leaves, flowers and rice grains and by reciting the Vishnu.
During Chandana-yatra, devotees anoint the Deities of the Lord with cooling sandalwood paste. Akshaya tritiya, according to the Vedic calendar, is a day considered to be conducive to success in any significant endeavour. Traditionally, those aware of Akshaya tritiya's benefits schedule major life events—marriages, initiations, business ventures, establishing a new place of residence on this day.
Akshaya-tritiya is an important day in Vedic culture as any donation performed for the right cause is declared to yield inexhaustible results. Devotees consider this day as a reminder to surrender whatever they have in the service of the Krishna. It marks the beginning of Chandana-yatra.
Chandana-yatra
Chandana-yatra is a festivity that runs for three weeks. To keep the Deities cool from the scorching heat of the summer sun, the devotees apply sandalwood paste (chandana) over Radha Madhava and the other Deities. All devotees, including children and pilgrims, are offered a chance to grind chandana for the pleasure of the Deities. For the first week, both the large and small Radha Madhava Deities are covered with chandana. During the second and third weeks, the small Radha Madhava Deities are entirely covered with chandana.
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