Siddhartha Gautama was born to father King Suddhodana in the Royal Family of Lumbini who later preached enlightenment and became Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism! The birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha and his enlightenment is observed on the day of Buddha Purnima. This article will walk you through the life story of Siddhartha Gautama and will also throw light on when is Buddha Purnima and Buddha Purnima significance. Read to know why Buddha Purnima is celebrated and what happened on Buddha Purnima.
When Is Buddha Purnima?
Buddha Purnima marks the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha, the great teacher, and philosopher who taught the world the essence of nonviolence and moksha – relief from materialistic and worldly desires.
The Buddha Purnima will be observed on 16th May 2022. The Buddha Purnima tithi will begin at 12:45 PM on 15th May 2022 and will end at 09:43 am on 16th May 2022. Till now we have learned when is Buddha Purnima and little about the life of Gautama Buddha. But, how did Siddhartha Gautama become Gautama Buddha? What happened on Buddha Purnima? We have highlighted all below.
Buddha Purnima Significance – What Happened On Buddha Purnima?
Besides his birth anniversary, the day holds other Buddha Purnima significance as well. On this day, Lord Buddha attained bodhi or enlightenment, and his death or Nirvana was also witnessed on this day!
According to the Hindu calendar and the lunisolar calendar, the Buddha Purnima Or Buddha Jayanti falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Baisakh. While each and every full moon day holds importance for the followers of Buddhism, the Baisakh Purnima in the month of May holds a special place because, on this day, their Lord Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini.
Added to that, on the same Purnima in the month of May, Lord Buddha attained Bodhi under the banyan tree, called the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya. At the age of 80, he breathed his last, also called attaining Nirvana in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.
Why Buddha Purnima Is Celebrated?
Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti, Vesak, and Vaisakha marks the birth anniversary and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha. According to legend, he was born to Lumbini in Nepal in 563 BCE. But, as he grew up, he showed intense interest in the outside world and so to satiate his social hunger, he left for the unknown.
In the middle of the road, he encountered various sick and sufferers and was deeply hurt. Followed by this, he came across a monk and was deeply inspired by his serenity and calmness. He was so moved by the monk that he himself left the Royal throne in search of Moksha and happiness.
After years of struggle, he finally attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and preached the same to the world, and founded Buddhism. Thus to mark the day of his birth and his soul awakening and mystical realization, that is why Buddha Purnima is celebrated.
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How To Celebrate Buddha Purnima?
Buddha Purnima is celebrated in South East Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Nepal including India.
On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, Buddhists and Hindus offer prayers to Lord Buddha and seek his blessings. Sweets are offered to the Lord and the Buddhist temples and monasteries are adorned with lights. The teachings of Gautama Buddha are recited. Devotees visit Buddha Temples in white and Kheer, a delicacy made of rice and milk is prepared.
People also perform donations to the poor and needy. Some also free caged animals as a way to show compassion and love to all forms of life. While many visit Bodhgaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, others visit Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached Dharma and non-violence.
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Buddha Purnima Wishes
While people pay visits to Buddhist pilgrimage sites to show devotion and pray to the Lots so that the Almighty can guide them towards righteousness and Dharma, you can also celebrate Buddha Jayanti by sending Buddha Purnima wishes to your near and dear ones amidst the pandemic.
- “If the problem can be solved why worry? If the problem cannot be solved worrying will do you no good. Happy Buddha Purnima!”
- “On Buddha Purnima, may the divine grace of Lord Buddha always be with you. Happy Buddha Jayanti!”
- “On Buddha Purnima, here’s wishing you peace, happiness, good health, and prosperity.”
- “May Lord Buddha enlighten you on the path of love, peace, and truth. Happy Buddha Purnima!”
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Conclusion
While we learned when is Buddha Purnima in 2022, we also focused on the life story of Gautama Buddha. He attained Moksha at the age of 80, in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. While he left his royal possessions in search of truth, he taught the world the real meaning of Dharma, nonviolence, and kindness. He was also considered the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
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