Buddh Purnima is an important festival celebrated by Buddhists all over the world, marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha. This festival is also known as Vesak and is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of May.
In this article, we will delve into the significance of Buddha Purnima and its celebration in different parts of the world.
The full moon of Vaishakh month is known as Vaishakhi Purnima, Peepal Purnima or Buddha Purnima. According to the scriptures, Vaishakh Purnima is considered the best among all. The full moon of every month is dedicated to Lord Shri Hari Vishnu, the maintainer of the world. Lord Buddha is considered to be the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Those who attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in the holy pilgrimage place of Bodh Gaya in Bihar on this auspicious date. Vaishakh month has been considered a holy month. Due to this, thousands of devotees earn virtue by bathing and donating in holy places of pilgrimage. Bathing in the holy rivers on the full moon day is considered to be of special importance.
Gautama Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha in the royal family of Kapilavastu in Nepal. Despite living a life of luxury and comfort, Prince Siddhartha was deeply disturbed by the suffering and hardships of the people around him. He decided to renounce his royal life and become a wandering ascetic in search of the truth.
After six years of intense meditation and contemplation, Prince Siddhartha finally achieved enlightenment and became known as the Buddha, meaning "the awakened one." For the rest of his life, Buddha taught the people the path to enlightenment and helped them overcome their suffering.
Buddh Purnima is a celebration of the three major events in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing away. The festival is a time to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha and to follow the path of enlightenment.
Buddh Purnima also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the victory of knowledge over ignorance. It is a time for Buddhists to come together to pray and meditate, offer alms to the less fortunate, and perform acts of kindness and generosity.
Buddh Purnima is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the world. In some countries, like India and Nepal, the festival is marked by elaborate rituals and ceremonies, while in other countries, like Japan and Thailand, the festival is celebrated with more simplicity and serenity.
In India, Buddh Purnima is celebrated with great fanfare and devotion, with thousands of Buddhists gathering at Buddhist temples and monasteries to offer prayers and perform rituals. In Nepal, the festival is celebrated with traditional music and dance, and in Thailand, the festival is marked by the release of captive animals as a symbol of compassion and kindness.
In Japan, the festival is celebrated with the display of beautiful lanterns and the ringing of temple bells. In China, the festival is marked by the procession of colorful dragon and lion dances, and in Tibet, the festival is celebrated with traditional songs and dances.
Buddh Purnima is a celebration of the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha and is observed by Buddhists all over the world. The festival is a time to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha and to follow the path to enlightenment. Whether it is through elaborate rituals or simple acts of kindness, Buddh Purnima is a time for Buddhists to come together and celebrate the triumph of good over evil and the victory of knowledge over ignorance.
