Today 16 May 2022 Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima is on May 16 this year (in India and Nepal) or May 19 (for those in Southeast Asian countries).
The date varies because May has two full moon days, and the Buddhist and Hindu lunar calendars can be interpreted differently. Buddha’s birth is celebrated as part of a festival called ‘Vesak,’ which combines the three key events of his life — his birth, enlightenment, and death.
Buddha Purnima (also known as Buddha Jayanti) celebrates the birth of Prince Siddharta Gautama — a Nepali prince (circa 563-483 B.C.) who later went on to become known as the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The word ‘Purnima’ is Sanskrit for ‘full moon’, which explains why it is celebrated on a full moon day, and ‘Jayanti’ means ‘birthday’. The word Buddha is given to those who attain ‘bodhi’ or wisdom, hence the name was ascribed to Siddartha once he attained enlightenment. It is commonly celebrated during the month of ‘Vaisakhi’ in Hindu/Buddhist lunar calendars.
According to Buddhist traditions, Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Gautama Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. at Lumbini in the Terai region of Nepal. In Hinduism, Buddha is considered the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu. He preached dharma (duty), non-violence, harmony, and kindness. He left his worldly possessions and princedom at the age of 30 to lead a life searching for the truth, seeking penance in the hopes of liberating himself from suffering.
On this occasion, we are taking you to the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar. It is considered one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mahabodhi Temple complex houses several holy sites such as the Vajrasana or Diamond Throne, an 80-foot Buddha statue the Mahabodhi Stupa, and a lotus pond. It also has the famous Bodhi tree under which Prince Siddhartha gained enlightenment and became Gautam Buddha. The site also comprises monasteries belonging to the different sects of Indian Buddhism such as Bhutanese, Taiwanese, Bangladeshi, Thai, and Tibetan.
On this day, the believers of Buddhism around the globe offer prayers, meditate, observe fasts and discuss the teachings of the Buddha.
BUDDHA PURNIMA TIMELINE
563 B.C.
Birth of Buddha
Buddha is born as Prince Siddharta Gautama, in Lumbini, Nepal.
528 B.C.
The ‘Awakening’
Buddha gains enlightenment under a tree, at Bodh Gaya (Bihar, India).
483 B.C.
Buddha Attains ‘Nirvana’
Buddha attains nirvana (release from the cycle of rebirth) and passes away in a state of deep meditation.
269-231 B.C.
Buddhist Evangelism Begins
During the reign of King Ashoka, a patron of Buddhism, Buddhism begins to spread throughout Asia.
Quiz
1. This temple is an ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site. What's it called?
A. Todaiji Temple
B. Mahabodhi Temple
C. Dhamek Stupa
Answer: Mahabodhi Temple
2. Where is Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya situated?
A. Madhya Pradesh
B. Bihar
C. Gujarat
Answer: Bihar
3. What does the Mahabodhi Temple commemorate?
A. The birthplace of the emperor Ashoka
B. The place where Buddha achieved enlightenment
C. The birthplace of Buddha
Answer: The birthplace of Buddha
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