Vaishakha-The second month of Hindu Lunar Calendar (May 4- June1)

Hindu months, as per lunar calendar starts from the day after the new moon day (amavasya) to the new moon day. The star Visakha, one of the 27 stars, falls on the full moon day and so this month is called Vaisakha maasam (month).

Some of the important festivals of the month are:

Day 6- Akhshya Thrutiya

The word Akshaya means ‘that which never diminishes’ and the day is ideal for beginning new ventures as it is believed that all investments on this day appreciates. Thrutiya is the third day after new moon day.

According to the Puranas, the day also marks the beginning to Threta Yuga. On this day, Veda Vyasa began the composition of the Mahabharata. In Andhra Pradesh, Simhachalam temple near Visakhapatnam celebrates Akhshaya Thrutiya as grand festival. That is the only day Sri Varaha Narasimha Swamy Nijarupa (original deity form) darshanam is available to devotees.

May 8- Sri Sankara Jayanthi

Sri AdiSankaraCharya was born on the fifth day after new moon day of this month. Adi Shankaracharya, is considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva by many people. It was Shankaracharya who had revived the teachings of Upanishads.One of India’s greatest philosopher and saint, Shankaracharya consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. His teachings are based on the unity of the Atman and Brahman—non-dualism.

May 16-Sri Narasimha Jayanthi-fourth dasaavatara of Lord Vishnu

Narasimha, or Nrsimha Jayanthi is observed on the 14^th day after the new moon day. The fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu is popularly known as ‘man-lion’ or ‘half man – half lion’. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha on the day to destroy demon Hiranyakashipu to safeguard an ardent devotee, Prahalad who is the son of Hiranyakashipu and to restore the path of Dharma.

May 27-Hanuman Jayanthi

Lord Hanuman is also known as Bajrang Bali, Anjaneya and is one of the most popular Gods in Hinduism. Lord Hanuman symbolizes strength and unparalleled devotion and selfless service. He is the greatest devotee of Lord Ram and he is a Brahmachari (celibate) and humility is his hallmark. He is a Chiranjeevi – one blessed with immortality. In Andhra Pradesh, Hanumant Jayanti is observed on 10^th day after full moon of the month.