Buddha Jayanti or 'Buddha Purnima' is celebrated largely in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Gautam Buddha is considered one of the greatest spiritual leaders the world has ever seen. Also known as the 'guiding light of Asia', his message for 'peace' captured the hearts and minds of millions of devotees from around the world. He is also revered as the 9th 'avatar' of Lord Vishnu himself. The founder of Buddhism, the religious and philosophical system that has produced a great culture throughout much of southern and eastern Asia, Gautam Buddha's message initially spread from India and was soon assimilated into many foreign cultures. Traditionally this annual festival is observed by Buddhists as 'Visakha'. Though it is known as the celebrations of Buddha's birthday, it encompasses all the stages of his life, including his birth,enlightenment (Nirvana) and passing away from the mortal world (Parinirvana).
History of Buddha Purnima
Buddha was born on this day around the year 563 BCE in Lumbini, which is now Nepal, according to a report published in The Indian Express. The report further added that after his birth, an astrologer named Asita visited Suddhodana, the king and father of Buddha and he was then named Siddhartha. The astrologer predicted that the prince will give up his wealth after growing up and to become a holy man or will become a great king, depending upon what he sees outside of the palace.
The concerned king ensured that his son is not exposed to the travails and difficulties of the real world but when the prince turned 29, he stepped outside the palace and he saw and understood the suffering and pain of the people.
Significance of Buddha Purnima
· This is the day when Lord Buddha was born as ‘Siddhartha Gautama’.
· He left the world and all its pleasures on this day in search of self-discovery.
· He attained enlightenment on this day and became the one who is ‘fully awake’.
· It is believed that Buddha Purnima carries the creation of nine out of 10 favorable conditions termed as mahayog. Hence this day seems to be quite auspicious in terms of astrological significance as well.
Celebration and Rituals:
The beginning of Buddha Purnima is marked on the full moon of 'Vaisakha.' Devotees from all over the world celebrate Buddha Purnima to celebrate Gautam Buddha's teachings of life. The day has a special significance among Buddhists. At the Mahabodhi Temple, the day is marked with prayer, sermons, decoration of the Buddha idols, and special events that highlight the life and teachings of Gautam Buddha.
Buddha Purnima has been a very important festival which highlights the significance of Gautam Buddha's teachings of life, love, peace and spirituality. One of the holiest festivals, Buddha Jayanti, celebrates Gautam Buddha's birth, his enlightenment, and death.