Buddha Purnima, also referred to as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is a significant and joyous festival.
It is celebrated in the Purnima Tithi (Full moon day) in Vaishakh Month by Hindus and Buddhists across the globe. Buddha Purnima marks the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, also believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion, Buddha Purnima holds great importance in countries like India, Thailand, China, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Tibet.
The Significance of Buddha Purnima
Legend says that when Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, took seven steps, a lotus flower bloomed with each step. Buddhists celebrate this on Buddha Purnima, as his birth anniversary.
This auspicious occasion marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (parinirvana) of Lord Buddha. His enlightenment, called ‘nirvana’, is seen as the most important event. According to several buddhist writings, he meditated under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar and achieved his enlightenment. Worldwide Buddhists visit this place and pray here. They mark this day by meditating, praying and being kind of others.
Kushinagar is believed to be where the Buddha died, known as ‘Parinirvana‘. His passing away was seen as final escape from cycle of life and death. On Buddha Purnima, Buddhists recite sutras, offer flowers and incense, and visit temples to remember these events.
Rituals on Buddha Purnima
On this day, a water-filled pot and food are donated, which is earns the same merit as to donating a cow. One must recite Satyanarayan Katha at home and offer lotus to Goddess Lakshmi during night. It is said to bring prosperity and immense wealth to household.
It’s a day of immense significance for Buddhists around the world, celebrated with great reverence and joy. Devotees engage in various religious activities such as prayer, meditation, and the recitation of Buddhist scriptures. Acts of charity, such as giving to the needy and partaking in vegetarian meals, are also common, reflecting the Buddha’s teachings on compassion and non-violence.
By following these rituals and timings, devotees can celebrate Buddha Purnima with reverence, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. The message of peace and self-liberation that Buddha imparted continues to resonate across centuries, inspiring countless individuals to seek inner peace and enlightenment.
Team Blossom Inc wishes “Happy Buddha Purnima” to all, who celebrate this auspicious occasion.
