The Day Nothing Given Away Runs Out

Akshaya Tritiya takes its name directly from what the tradition claims about the day. Akshaya means imperishable. It means never running out. Tritiya simply means the third day. This refers to its place on the lunar calendar, the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha. Put together, the name itself is a claim. Whatever begins, or whatever is given, on this day does not run out.

Among the events placed on this day, one stands out as most clearly sourced. It is the birth of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. According to the Skanda Purana and the Bhavishya Purana, Parashurama was born to the sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka. He would grow to become a warrior-sage of great power. He carried an axe, called parashu, given to him by Shiva after long, hard penance. Parashurama is remembered as the avatar who stood up to corrupt and cruel rulers of his time, and removed them. He restored balance where kings had failed at their own duty.