Akṣaya Navamī 1997

On the ninth day of Kārtika's bright fortnight the universe holds a particular grace: whatever is given, planted, or undertaken on this day accrues akṣaya phala: imperishable fruit. The day is also called Āmlā Navamī or Āmalakī Navamī, named for the sacred Indian gooseberry whose tree is venerated as a living form of Viṣṇu-Lakṣmī.

In Vṛndāvana tradition this day marks the return of the Satya Yuga. Devotees perform a parikramā (circumambulation) of the twelve sacred forests of Vṛndāvana (dvādaśa vanas): Madhuvana, Talavana, Kumudavana, and more. Walking barefoot through these ancient groves while recounting Kṛṣṇa's childhood līlās is said to confer the merit of a full yātrā to all four dhāmas.

Āmlā Pūjā: an āmlā tree is worshipped with lamps, flowers, and sesame. Devotees eat their meal seated beneath the tree's canopy: this act alone is believed to cleanse seven previous and seven future generations of sin. Brahmins are fed under the tree as an act of dāna.

The date falls on a Svayaṃsiddha Tithi: one of the rare self-sanctified days that need no external muhūrta calculation. Any charitable act performed on Akṣaya Navamī, from digging wells and planting trees to gifting food and scripture, carries inexhaustible spiritual return.