Essence of Akshaya Thrutheeya...

Giving charity is one of the essentials of Akshaya Thrutheeya, but how it should be, that pleases the supreme God.....

 Lord Sri Krishna says in Bhagawadgita....
Patram pushpam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati
tad aham bhakty-upahritam ashnami prayatatmanah
(Bhagawadgita - 9th Canto - sloka # 26)
That means whoever offers Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, that I accept, offered with pure-mind and devotion. In these Houses-of-God, it is not the intricacies of their design, elaborateness of the ritual, nor the splendour of gold and wealth exhibited, nor even the number of devotees attending, that contribute to their essential success. Ultimately it is the sincerity and devotion (Bhakti) that counts in divine worship.
The very language and diction of the above stanza clearly sound the note that the material objects that one might offer are of no value to the Lord of the Universe, but it is the devotion and love that prompt the offerings that are accepted by the Deity. Be it "a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water” it is but an insignificant thing that you offer; be it a golden temple, or be it a dry leaf, "whosoever with devotion offers" whatever be the offering, Lord Sri Krishna assures "THAT I ACCEPT." Perhaps this is the quintessence of Akshaya Thrutheeya the meritorious day.
For, when lovingly given, it becomes "a devout gift" and when it is offered by a sincere "pure minded” devotee, the Lord has to accept it. Therefore, on the whole, it is clear that an offering can be efficient, only when it is accompanied by the two required conditions; (a) "offered with devotion" and (b) "by the pure-minded." To the extent these features are absent all offerings are mere economic waste and superstition breeding false-beliefs. If properly done, it can serve as a good vehicle to tread the spiritual path of self development. 

 We find several pouranic references in this context like offering of Tandulam (beaten rice/avalakki) by Sudhama (Kuchela) etc. Akshaya Thrutheeya is believed to be the day Sudhama (Kuchela) went to Lord Sri Krishna and offered Avalakki with utmost humility, sincerity and devotion.
In recent times a tradition has cropped up especially in South India wherein, one would have observed people buying Gold on the day of Akshaya Thrutheeya with a belief that their wealth would get multiplied. We find citizens rushing to Gold shops forming long queues; in turn gold and jewel merchants offering fabulous discounts/schemes attracting customers etc. It is only a myth that has no relevance and sanctity. If at all anything is happening (good or bad), it is happening according to one's own destiny.
But, giving charity and performing sacred deeds is indeed recommended and prescribed on the day of Akshaya Thrutheeya that will produce multifold meritorious results if not in this birth, at least in future births. Chaanakya neethi says that be content with what you have already got; but don’t ever be content with your knowledge, self improvement and charity. To have a mind for making charity when one is prosperous is a fruit of no ordinary austerity. One should believe in hard work but not on fortune. Satisfaction and contentment are the two wheels of life chariot.

 There is no point in simply celebrating the festival; one should understand the significance and the spirit behind it. For more information on the significance, merits, customs and traditions of Akshaya Thrutheeya please click on the link given below... 
Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

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