Akshaya Navami is a highly significant day observed on Shukla Navami day in Kartik month as per Hindu calendar. It occurs two days before Dev Uthani Ekadashi. It is believed that Satya Yuga began on the very same day and hence Akshaya Navami is also known as Satya Yugadi. It is significant for all kinds of Daan-Punya activities. Akshaya means ‘never diminishing’ and as the name suggests, the reward of good activities on this day will never diminish but would benefit the person throughout this life as well as the next lives.
Akshaya Navami is equally significant as Akshaya Tritiya. While Akshaya Tritiya is regarded as Treta Yugadi, the day when Treta Yuga began, Akshaya Navami is regarded as Satya Yugadi.
The Parikrama or circumambulation of Mathura-Vrindavan on the auspicious day of Akshaya Navami is highly significant.
Thousands of devotees gather in the twin town of Mathura-Vrindavan and perform circumambulation to earn the maximum benefits and never diminishing Punya on the auspicious day of Akshaya Navami.
Akshaya Navami is also known as Amla Navami. It is a custom to worship Amla tree on the auspicious day of Akshaya Navami.
In West Bengal, the day of Akshaya Navami is observed as Jagaddhatri Puja when the Goddess of Satta, Jagaddhatri is worshipped.
Rituals during Akshaya Navami:
On the day of Akshaya Navami, the devotees rise before sunrise and take a bath in the Ganges and other sacred rivers. After the bath, elaborate poojas and rituals are made on the banks of the river, under the direction of a priest.
The place of worship is cleaned near the shores and with turmeric 30 squares are drawn. These squares are known as “Kotha” and then filled with pulses, cereals and food. After this puja takes place with Vedic mantras. This particular ritual in Akshaya Navami is made for a rich crop and also for the incessant stock of food grains.
Women observe strict fasting at Akshaya Navami. They spend the day without eating a single grain of food and engage in various bhajans and kirtans.
In some areas, people worship Amla tree on this day. One should eat Amla fruit on this day for good health and donate some fruit.
Charity is a very important event of this day. It is believed that any good deeds were done on Akshaya Navami never perish. Doing secret donations on this day is also of great importance. One must donate as much as possible as per their financial condition to any eligible person.
Akshaya Navami Puja Preparation:
Anvla navmi Puja is of special significance for women. This day ladies perform special puja and pray before Indian Goose Berry Tree or Aanvla (Amla) tree. If the aanvla tree is not present in close vicinity of the house, a small branch of the tree can be brought to the house for performing puja.
Anvla navmi Puja is particularly important for women. On this day, ladies perform special pujas and pray in front of the Amla tree. If the Amla tree is not present near the house, a small branch of the tree can be brought home to perform the puja.
Akshaya Navami Pooja Samagri:
# Indian Goose Berry Tree or Aanvla (Amla) tree or branch of the tree.
# Water in a kalash
# Milk
# Roll, moli, chawal, jaggery, batasha
# Raw white thread, moli
# Doop, deepak, matchstick
# Money for offering
# Saree, blouse—piece and dakshina for Brahminis (optional)
# Blouse piece (either red, yellow or pink in color)