The full moon of the month of Vaishakh is celebrated as Buddha Purnima, which is also the birthday of Lord Buddha. He was the founder of Buddhism. This day is essentially celebrated as the day when Buddha attained enlightenment after meditating for years in search of truth. It is interesting, therefore, that Buddha Purnima is celebrated with equal fervour not only by Buddhists, but also by Hindus. It is believed among Hindus that on this day Lord Vishnu was born as the 9th incarnation in the form of Buddha. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Satyanarayan on this day is said to bring good fortune and wealth to the house.
Buddha Purnima 2024: Dates
According to the Panchang, Vaishakh Purnima or Buddha Purnima begins on May 22 at 6.47 pm and ends the next day, that is, May 23 at 7.22 pm. According to Udayatithi, Buddha Purnima is celebrated on May 23. This year, this day is the 2586th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha.
The day Vaishakh Purnima begins with getting up early in the morning and taking a bath in a holy river. Secondly, both Lord Buddha and Lord Satyanarayan are worshipped on this day. On the full moon night, one should offer Arghya to the moon and worship Goddess Lakshmi and offer Kheer to her. It is believed that this will help in increasing happiness and prosperity and one will be blessed with good luck in one’s life.
Buddha Purnima 2024: Timings
The most auspicious time to take a bath and make donations on Buddha Purnima is from 04.04 am to 05.26 am on May 23. The most auspicious time to worship Lord Vishnu is from 10.35 am to 12.18 pm. The time of moon rise on Vaishakh Purnima is at 07.12 am.
Buddha Purnima: Significance
Lord Buddha was born in a place called Lumbini in Nepal to a royal family. His father was Raja Naresh Shuddhodhan and his mother was Mahamaya. The birth name of Lord Buddha was Siddhartha.
Prince Siddhartha was married at the age of 16 to a woman named Yashodhara. Although he was born into a royal family with a silver spoon in his mouth, Prince Siddhartha was an ascetic at heart with a restless soul. The luxuries around him could not give him peace and contentment and he was eager to find out more about life and the world around him.
Therefore, at the age of 29, he left home and went to the forest, while his wife Yashodhara and son Rahul were sleeping. In search of truth and ultimate knowledge, he wandered from forest to forest and performed penance for the next 6 years. At the age of 35, he finally attained enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree and became known as Buddha.
It is believed that Lord Buddha was born on the day of Vaishakh Purnima and that he attained enlightenment on the day of Vaishakh Purnima, which is why Vaishakh Purnima is also called Buddha Purnima. Besides the holy bath and donations made on this day, special worship of Lord Buddha is also done on this day.
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