Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya is celebrated in Jainism as Akshay Tritiya because it marks a very sacred event in the life of Bhagwan Rishabhdev (Aadinath).

Why it is celebrated

• After Bhagwan Rishabhdev became a kevali muni, he observed a very long fast.
• On Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya, Shreyans Kumar offered him ikshu-rasa (sugarcane juice).
• This was Bhagwan Rishabhdev’s first parana after a long fast.
• Because of this divine and historic event, the day is considered highly auspicious and is called Akshay Tritiya — “akshay” means never diminishing.

Jain spiritual significance

• It reminds us of tapasya, forbearance, and dana.
• It is especially important because it is associated with the first ahara-dan given to a Tirthankar.
• Jains observe this day with puja, fasting, charity, and remembrance of Bhagwan Rishabhdev’s sacrifice.

In Jain tradition, Akshay Tritiya is mainly celebrated for the parana of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, not for worldly prosperity alone.