Buddha Purnima, the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha is also known as Buddha Jayanti. Lord Buddha was born on a full moon day of the Vaishakha month according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar.
Gautama Buddha having lived for eighty years attained Maha Parinirvana that is leaving the mortal coils, on the same day. It is also believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment on this day. According to Buddhists and Hindus all over the world this day is considered the most auspicious day because Buddha also attained enlightenment on this day. Vaishakha is also known as Vaishak Purnima and Vesak Day.
Siddhartha Gautama was born as the prince of Kapilavastu and was named Siddhartha by his parents. According to a prediction before his birth t was said that this child will either be a great ruler or a great monk. In fear of losing the crowned prince of Kapilavastu, Buddha’s family confined him to the portals of palace. As Buddha turned 29 he was able to witness life outside the palace. Gautama Buddha first witnessed three things, an old man, a dead body and sick man. These three sights made him realize life is full of sorrow and is just a temporary phase.
Siddhartha Gautama renounced the princely life after witnessing the three sights horrible sights. He went into deep meditation inside thick woods for the search of truth. After Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment or Nirvana, he got the most honoured title, Gautama Buddha.
Bodh gaya, a religious site for the pilgrims and devotees of Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district in Bihar, India. Bodh Gaya attracts the maximum number of pilgrims on Buddha Purnima.
Buddha Purnima with due course of time has turned as a social, religious, spiritual and cultural festival. Major events organised on this day include Bodhidroom Mela, Sutrasraban, Sutrapath, Ashtasheel, Panchasheel, religious speeches and discussions on the Buddhist scriptures, meditation, worship to the Buddha statues, processions and prayer recitals. In fact, the celebrations often last for over three days to one week in various places.
