Buddha Purnima

Significance of Buddha Purnima Festival

Buddha Purnima, also called Vesak, marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautam Buddha. Born as Prince Siddhartha in Lumbini (present-day Nepal), he left behind all life’s comfort and luxury to seek wisdom and truth.

Hence, the day of Buddha Purnima reminds his devotees to focus on simple living and let go of all worldly pleasures and materialistic desires. The festival teaches us that true happiness comes from a life of compassion, peace, and simplicity. Devotees visit temples, engage in charitable activities, and meditate on this day.

Mythology and the Buddha Purnima Story

This festival focuses on the age-old practices of self-awareness, self-realisation, self-growth, and understanding the self from within. The primary importance of these stories is to remind people of Buddha’s divine energy and how he had the ability to change the world.

• The Story of Birth

Born in 563 BCE, Siddhartha Gautama was a prince meant to access the throne. According to Buddhist texts and scriptures, Siddhartha’s mother, Queen Maya, gave birth to him while holding onto a tree branch in Lumbini Garden. His birth changed the course of action and established the way for something new.

• The Story of Enlightenment

Siddhartha was deeply troubled by the suffering in the world. Thus, to seek truth and free himself from the cyclic suffering of life, he rejected his royal life. For years, he meditated under the Bodhi tree and attained enlightenment. From that moment, he became Gautam Buddha.

• The Story of Parinirvana

Parinirvana refers to Buddha’s rejection of the earthly body and acceptance of the ever-changing soul. After the enlightenment, Buddha founded a Sangha or monastic community, where he gave Buddhism's core teachings and principles. When he was around 80 years old, he went into deep meditation and passed away.

Rituals to Follow on Buddha Purnima Festival

Also known as Vesak Purnima, the rituals surrounding Buddha Purnima begin early in the morning. These rituals are an essential part of Buddha Jayanti and form the main essence of the festival. Follow the rituals below to showcase love and devotion to Gautam Buddha.

• Devotees begin their day by visiting Buddha temples and monasteries and offering flowers and incense to Lord Buddha, along with their prayers.
• Following this, devotees who have an idol of Buddha at home ceremonially bathe these figurines with milk and water and place him on a clean pedestal.
• Then, flowers and incense sticks are placed in front of Buddha, and devotees circle the statue as a mark of respect. This practice is also observed in Stupas or the holy places of Buddhists.
• Following these, devotees listen to Dhamma talks or sermons, Buddhist teachings and principles shared by monks and nuns.
• Devotees also engage in acts of charity, remembering the five principles of Buddhism, which relate to staying away from violence, stealing, sexual misconduct, consuming intoxicants such as alcohol or drugs, and lying.
• On this day, a strict vegetarian diet is followed, and devotees cannot eat non-vegetarian food items.
• All of these rituals earn their variations from different groups, but acts of generosity, charity, and giving are the major themes of this occasion. Moreover, people also observe Sila or the extra rules, which include eight rules. These rules are avoiding eating after noon and entertainment.

Effective Buddha Purnima Remedies

Buddha Purnima is a day that gives us a chance to heal, grow and cleanse our souls. By following the simple yet powerful Buddha Purnima remedies, one can easily do that and invite good luck, inner peace and growth.

• Buddha Purnima Remedy for Wealth

Offering holy water to the roots of the Peepal tree will welcome the blessings and grace of Lord Buddha and make way for inner peace and stability. Along with this, lighting a ghee diya to a Peepal tree on this day attracts wealth, fortune and prosperity.

• Buddha Purnima Remedy for Chandra Dosha

Devotees dealing with Chandra dosha or a weak placement of the Moon in the birth charts must offer kheer to the Chandra Deva (Moon) on this day. One can also spend a few minutes under the moon's rays, which also helps absorb the energies of the Moon.

• Buddha Purnima Remedy for Peace and Happiness

Feeding grains to birds or planting a bamboo plant in the house on the day of the Buddha Purnima festival often attracts peace and prosperity. Those devotees who perform this remedy with full sincerity enjoy a peaceful and loving familial life.

Read About Other Important Festivals