Buddha Purnima 2024 Date, History & Importance

Buddha Purnima Katha and Puja Procedure

Lord Buddha’s birth is celebrated as Buddha Purnima from ancient times. This year Buddha Purnima will take place on 23 May 2024 on a Thursday. Buddha Purnima is also known as “Buddha Jayanti”, Vesak” and “Vaishakh Purnima”.

Buddha Purnima is not restricted only to those who follow Buddhism, it can also be celebrated by those who follow other religions. It is very popular especially in Hindus too. This is because Lord Buddha is seen as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Buddha is the creator of Buddhism. Buddhism is popular across the globe. Lakhs of people follow Buddhism.

Buddha Purnima Puja Procedure

Not only is the Buddha Purnima celebrated by Buddhaist disciples, but it is also celebrated by Hindus alike. The Purnima that falls in the Vaishakh month is considered the most auspicious by Buddhist followers and also Hindus.

• In Sri Lanka this day is celebrated as Vaisakh, this word is derived from the word Vaishakh.
• Lamps are lit in all the houses.
• Temples and houses are decorated.
• Religious gatherings for prayers are organised.
• Buddhaist scriptures are read on a continuous basis.
• Meals, clothes and food items are distributed amongst the poor.

Stories related to the birth of Lord Buddha

Buddha birth story

Gautum Buddha was believed to be born in 563 B.C. Buddha also Siddhartha was a preacher of Buddha Religion. He popularised it far and wide. Buddha was born in Lumbini in the Ishwaku Vansh Kul King Sudhoshan’s house. His mother’s name was Mahamaya. Buddha's mother expired seven days after his birth. After that, he was brought up by Mahaprajapati Gautami.

Buddha’s birth name was Siddhartha but once he attained spiritual knowledge he came to be known as Buddha. After Sadhna he started living at Bodh Gaya which is a town in Bihar. He received divine knowledge here under a Bodhi Tree. This is how his name changed from Siddharth Gautam to Lord Buddha.

Since Lord Buddha was born under the Gautum Nakshatra, he was also called Gautum. It is said that a Rishi had predicted that this child i.e. Lord Buddha will either become a big king or a big sage who will do the welfare of all the people around the world and will guide everybody. This prediction was further confirmed by other Jyotish Scholars. This led to fear in King Shushodhan and he restricted Siddhartha’s movements within the four walls of the palace.

Buddha Initial Life

Siddhartha Gautam completed his early education. He got the knowledge of Vedas and Upanishads, he also received education in royalty and warfare. Siddhartha was married to Yashodhara. Siddhartha was provided all kinds of happiness facilities by his father Shudoshan. The King made sure that Siddhartha and his wife were kept away from sorrows and miseries in all forms. Siddhartha stayed with his wife Yashodhara in a palace full of splendor and all pleasures. Eventually, they were blessed with a son whom they named Rahul.

In spite of all of this, Siddhartha used to feel restless at his heart and soul. Compassion and empathy were very deeply rooted in him. He had the same emotion for everybody, be it a senior person or a servant. He used to always wonder about the purpose of his life.

The journey of becoming Buddha from Siddhartha

Siddhartha's journey on becoming Buddha passed through many stages. During the early period of his life, his father Shudhoshan tried to save Siddhartha from all negative things that could disturb Siddhartha’s mind.

All possible luxuries in life were made available to Siddhartha. So much so that the facilities in the palace would be changed as per changing seasons. Maids and maidservants were always available for the prince at his beck and call. So on one side, Lumbini was filled with beauty and splendour. Pain and misery in any form could not touch the palace. Issues such as old age, diseases and death were never heard of.

Siddhartha's mind would keep distracted and he would not be able to focus. It is believed that one day he got so restless that he got onto his chariot and went on a round beyond the boundaries of the palace. On his way, he saw an old man. When he asks his charioteer to inquire above the old man he realises that everyone gets old one day.

As he moves ahead, he sees a diseased man. At that time the charioteer tells him that a person may suffer from diseases because of one or the other reason. As they move further ahead, they see people carrying a dead body, and a lot of them are crying. When Siddhartha questions the charioteer, the charioteer informs Siddhartha about death. He tells Siddhartha that everyone dies. Finally, they see a sage. The sage free from all material pleasures is the only one who appears happy.

Siddhartha's perception of the world and life changes completely after all that he sees. At that moment a feeling of Vairagya takes birth in his mind. In order to understand the real meaning of life and the mysteries of nature, he decides to become a saint.

He leaves behind his wife, small child, all the material pleasure of the palace and sets out on his quest for the right direction in life. Siddhartha follows deep penance and stays without food. His first preacher in Sanyas was Alar Kalam.

Siddhartha was following deep penance meditating under a tree on the banks of Niranjan river. He has weakened because of the penance. He breaks his fast when a girl by the name Sujata offers him Kheer. The girl then says just like my wish is fulfilled by you eating the kheer, your wish will also be fulfilled. That night Buddha finds answers to all his questions. From that day onwards Siddhartha came to be known as Buddha.

This form of Lord Buddha indicates that renunciation and elimination of desires leads one to the path of salvation.