Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima, or Buddha Jayanti is also Known as Vesak. Every year It is celebrated on the first full moon of the Hindu calendar month Vaishakha.
This Auspicious day is the birthday of Lord Gautam Buddha, who was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautam in Lumbini which is in present-day Nepal, around 563 BC. It is celebrated by Buddhist as well as Hindus Worldwide with a great enthusiasm .
Buddha Purnima 2024: Date and Timings
According to the Buddhist and Hindu calendars, along with the Vikram Samvat calendar, The Vaisakha month marks Buddha’s moksha and birth anniversary. Usually Buddha Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month in the Buddhist calendar, this observance takes place in the regions associated with the Buddha’s life, the places are present-day India and Nepal.
In 2024, this auspicious day falls on Thursday, May 23rd.
Buddha Purnima 2024: Origin and Significance
Prince Siddhartha Gautama, born around 563 BC in Lumbini, which is currently known as Nepal. modern-day Nepal. He was later known as Buddha, experienced a transformative journey that resulted in his enlightenment, referred to as nirvana. Raised in the kingdom of Kapilavastu under his father’s rule. Once while he went out of palace, he saw 3 incident, one old man, one sick fellow and one dead body. This made him to think and discover the truth of human life. He Left his home to went to many places to get knowledge and to Meditate and finally found the way to Nirvana or Mokshya. He attained enlightenment through meditation under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar
His teachings are.
1. The world is full of sorrow.
2. Desire is the root cause of all sorrow.
3. Sorrow can be conquered by conquering desire.
4. Desire can be conquered by following the eight-fold paths (Ashtangirka Marga).
Legend says that Gautama Buddha achieved liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, embodying roles as a philosopher, spiritual mentor, religious figure, and dedicated meditator. In Hindu traditions, he is recognised as the ninth Vishnu avatar.
Buddha Purnima stands as a significant and celebratory occasion in the Buddhist calendar, honouring Gautama Buddha, the ‘Enlightened One’ who transcended ‘Karma’ and liberated himself from the cycle of rebirth.
The day is celebrated by visits to temples, meditation sessions, chanting of Buddhist scriptures, offering food and alms to monks, and engaging in charitable acts. Many Buddhists and Hindus also perform rituals like bathing in holy rivers, worshipping Lord Buddha and Lord Satyanarayan, and making offerings to the moon in this Purnima.
Some of the best places to observe Buddha Purnima are :
Sikkim
Sikkim surrounded by the Himalayas, is a rich Buddhist heritage. You can find many famous Buddhist followers and monasteries , including the famous Rumtek Monastery and Pemayangtse Monastery. Prayers, processions, and cultural performances mark Buddha Purnima celebrations in Sikkim in a great way.
Sarnath
Near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. It holds immense significance for Buddhists and attracts pilgrims worldwide, on Buddha Purnima. Devotees gather here to offer prayers, meditate, and participate in religious rituals, commemorating the momentous occasion of the Buddha’s teachings. Additionally, various monasteries and temples in Sarnath organise special events and cultural programs in the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya in Bihar is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, becoming the Buddha. It is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites and hosts elaborate celebrations during Buddha Purnima.
Arunachal Pradesh
This northeastern state of India is home to several Buddhist monasteries and stupas are there. Places like Tawang and Bomdila are beautiful placed and renowned for their serene Buddhist ambience, The places are amazing to visit in Buddha Purnima.
Ladakh
Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir is the high-altitude region ,filled with monasteries and Buddhist cultural heritage sites. The colourful festivities and religious rituals during Buddha Purnima make Ladakh a memorable destination for visitors.
How Buddha Purnima Is Celebrated
Temple Visits
Buddhists and Hindus visit temples and monasteries to pay homage to the Buddha by offering flowers, candles.
Bathing of the Buddha
This is the symbolic ritual involves pouring water over the shoulders of Buddha statues, representing purification and renewal. Chanting and offerings of scented water often accompany this act.
Giving Alms
Buddhists participate in acts of charity and giving to the less fortunate, including donating food, clothing, and other necessities to monks, temples, and the needy. This practice is known as Dana that reflects the virtue of generosity.
Lantern Processions
In some countries, especially in East Asia, lantern processions are held in the evening. Participants carry brightly lit lanterns while chanting Buddhist sutras. These processions symbolize the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance.
During Buddha Purnima, Temples and homes are adorned with colorful decorations, lanterns, and lights to create a festive atmosphere. Illuminated displays depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life are often set up in public places.
Quotes by Buddha
These quotes encapsulate Buddha’s teachings on mindfulness, compassion, wisdom, increases inner peace. Some of Buddha’s quotes are
1.”Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.”
2.”Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.”
3.”Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
4.”The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
5.”Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”
6.”Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
7.”In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”
8.”Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.”
9.”Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
10.”The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.”
11. Happy People Build their inner world, Unhappy people blame their outer world.
12. Be patient, Everything comes to you in Right moment.
13.If you doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
14.Speak with kindness for your words, Hold the power of heal or harm.
15. Suffering is not holding you, You are holding suffering.
Frequently Asked Question
1.when is Buddha Purnima in 2024 ?
In 2024, this auspicious day falls on Thursday, May 23rd.
2.Why is Buddha Purnima celebrated?
Buddha Purnima, or Buddha Jayanti is also Known as Vesak. Every year It is celebrated on the first full moon of the Hindu calendar month Vaishakha as it is the birthday of Lord Gautam Buddha.