THE JOY OF GIVING.
(Dr.Rachanaa Datey)
Akshaya Tritiya holds significant religious importance for Hindus. It is considered one of the most auspicious days. It is considered sacred for new beginnings, and buying new things is a key ritual. Akshaya Tritiya is also known as Akha Teej. Akshaya Tritiya has lot of religious significance:
- 1. It is the janamtithi of Lord Parashurama, one of the ten Dashavataras of Lord Vishnu.
- 2. It is the starting day of Treta Yuga after Satya Yuga.
- 3. It is the day when Sudama offered Aval to Lord Krishna, who in turn blessed him with bountiful wealth and happiness.
- 4. Lord Krishna gave the Akshaya Patra to Draupadi when the Pandavas started for the Vanavasa, so that they always have food in abundance.
- 5. Veda Vyasa started writing the epic Mahabharata.
- 6. The Holy Ganges descended upon the Earth.
- 7. The annual Rath Yatra in Puri Jagannath begins on this day.
The charity or Daanam performed during this day certainly blesses the donor. ‘DADNAM’- CHARITY has a very important place in every religion. According to Hindu religion it is the main component of DHARMA. Each person has to perform and abide by dharma relating to society, family and all living creatures. The wealth that a person acquires is not only for him, but Dharma says, it is also for the welfare of society. According to Dharma it is the responsibility of wealthy people to give back to society. Upanishad points out that true happiness and peace lies in detachment from wealth. The joy of giving gets multiplied thousand times. Upanishad also teaches us that mere giving of charity for the sake of giving is not sufficient, nor it is fruitful. ‘DAANAM’ without spiritual wisdom brings no true peace.
Dharma says that charity of food. i.e.’ ANNADANA’ is the highest order of DAANAM. The commendable effects of giving continue to persist for the giver and the person in whose name the DAANAM is made. The importance of the act is, it purifies one’s life and enhances its quality. Mutual regard and service is a very basic law of life for Hindus.
Therefore…. donate, perform DAANAM.
” GIVE WITH FAITH, GIVE WITH SENSITIVITY, GIVE WITH A FEELING OF ABUNDANCE, GIVE WITH RIGHT UNDERSTANDING.”- Taittiriya Upnishad