Why is Buddha Purnima Celebrated In India?

Why is Buddha Purnima Celebrated In India: Buddha Purnima has special significance in Hinduism. Every year, the festival of Buddha Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh month. According to mythological beliefs, Gautam Buddha, the 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born on this day, hence, Vaishakh Purnima is also called Buddha Purnima. Not only was Buddha born on Vaishakh Purnima, but Buddha attained enlightenment on this day, and on this day, he also attained Mahanirvana.

What is The Reason That Buddha Purnima is celebrated in India?

On the day of Buddha Purnima, Buddhists from all over the world gather in Bodh Gaya and worship the Bodhi tree. After renouncing all the comforts and home, Prince Siddhartha wandered from forest to forest for seven years in search of truth. The prince adopted an ascetic life and did rigorous penance. Finally, on the day of Vaishakh Purnima, he attained enlightenment under the Bodh Gaya tree, and Prince Siddhartha became Gautam Buddha. When Lord Buddha opened his eyes, he broke his fast by drinking kheer, so the tradition of making kheer at home started on this day. Also, today, kheer is offered as prasad to Lord Buddha.

Importance of Buddha Purnima:

The day of Buddha Purnima is considered special for many reasons. This day is celebrated as the birth of Lord Buddha, the knowledge of truth, and Mahaparinirvana. Gautam Buddha was born on the day of Vaishakh Purnima, he attained enlightenment on this day. Also, Gautam Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana took place in Kushinagar on the day of Vaishakh Purnima. The followers of Lord Buddha listen to the sermons of Lord Buddha on this day and also vow to follow his path. Also, kheer is offered on this day. It is believed that doing so brings mental peace, and there is a flow of positive energy around. Worshipping Lord Vishnu and Chandra Dev along with Lord Buddha on the day of Buddha Purnima gives special fruits.

These works are done on Buddha Purnima:
The festival of Buddha Purnima is celebrated with great pomp not only in India but also in many countries like Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, etc. Lord Buddha is worshipped on this auspicious occasion. Buddha Purnima is also known as Buddha Jayanti, Peepal Purnima, and Vaishakh Purnima. According to religious beliefs, donating water-filled urns, fan, umbrella, shoes, slippers, sattu, etc., on this day is considered especially meritorious. Special worship is done on this day in Buddhist temples, and works of meditation, preaching, and charity are also done. Along with this, religious works like monk seminars, etc., are also done on this day.