Crowded temples, bustling mkts mark Akshay Tritiya in Varanasi

Varanasi: The holy city of Varanasi witnessed grand celebrations Akshay Tritiya on Wednesday, with rituals marking the beginning of the day at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Devotees thronged the temple from the early hours to participate in the sacred rituals.
The day began with Mangala Aarti and the ceremonial Jalabhishek of Lord Vishwanath with water from Chakrapushkarni (Manikarnika) Kund, carried in 11 urns.
As part of the tradition, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust installed a special ‘Kunwara' (shower) above the Shivling for continuous Jalabhishek, symbolising coolness, purity, and devotion. This practice, which begins on Akshay Tritiya, will continue till the holy month of Shravan. Priests and temple authorities explained the significance of the day, stating that Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh, when both the sun and moon are in their exalted positions—a rare astrological alignment believed to bring eternal prosperity. The word ‘Akshay' itself means ‘which does not diminish'.
Besides, the idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Badrinarayan was adorned in an elaborate and divine manner, attracting large numbers of devotees throughout the day. Other prominent temples across the city, as well as the Vindhyachal Temple in Mirzapur, also saw a significant influx of pilgrims, all seeking divine blessings on the auspicious day.
Meanwhile, markets in the city were bustling, particularly jewellery shops, as buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is considered highly auspicious. Shopkeepers reported brisk business, with buyers crowding stores throughout the day.