Celebrating Buddha Purnima: Origin, Significance, and the Role in Hinduism

Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti and Buddha's Enlightenment Day, holds a special place in the religio-cultural landscape of East and South Asia. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and attainment of Nirvana by Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who went on to become the Gautama Buddha and the founder of Buddhism.

Historical and Scriptural Background

According to the Nilamata Purana, which refers to the discovery of a rare verses, Brahma, Lord of the world, is said to have prophesied that the Lord would be born as the preceptor of the world, named Buddha, during the 28th Kali Age, when the Pusya star aligns with the moon in the month of Vaisakha. This verse marks the beginning of the rituals and celebrations to honor the coming of the Buddha.

Nilamata Purana

The Nilamata Purana (Verse 709-710a) narrates that Lord Visnu, the Cosmic Lord, would embody as the Buddha, a preceptor to the world, at the time of Pusya moon in the lunar month of Vaisakha during the 28th Kali Age. It further states that with the moon in union with the Pusya star in the month of Vaisakha, the image of Buddha should be bathed with holy water enriched with medicinal herbs, precious stones, and scents as per the dictates of the Sakyas. The shelters of the Sakyas, the Viharas, should be carefully whitewashed, and Caityas, the shrines, adorned with paintings. The festival should be part of celebrations with dancers and actors.

Agnipurana Ch.49

The Agnipurana Chapter 49 gives further insights into the depiction of Buddha#39;s image, suggesting it be made in a calm state, with long ears, fair complexion, and seated on a lotus with its petals pointing upwards. The statue should convey favor and protection.

Buddha Jayanti and Celebrations

Buddha Jayanti marks the birth of the Buddha in 563 BCE and is celebrated with various ceremonies, rituals, and sermons across different countries. The exact date, however, varies based on the Asian lunar calendar, making the date in the Gregorian calendar flexible but typically falling around 15th to 16th April or early May. In instances of leap years, it can occur in June.

The Role of Buddha in Hinduism

While Buddha is primarily associated with Buddhism, many Hindus, especially in South Asia, celebrate Buddha Purnima. It's a significant day for both Buddhists and Hindus, albeit usually with a lower profile than Guru Poornima for teachers and spiritual leaders.

Sanathana Dharma and Further Significance

It is fascinating to note that in Hindu traditions, Lord Buddha is regarded as an incarnation (Avatar) of Lord Vishnu, aligning with the broader concept of Sanathana Dharma, the eternal path in Hinduism. Thus, Buddha's revelations and teachings are seen as integral to the Hindu tradition, blending spiritual and cultural aspects.

Modern Relevance and Modern Celebrations

Modern celebrations of Buddha Purnima often include visiting temples, observing fasts, chanting mantras, and engaging in moral and ethical discourse. Devotees may also engage in charity and acts of service to honor the teachings of the Buddha and the principles of Dharma (righteous path).

Summary

From ancient scripts to modern times, Buddha Purnima stands as a profound festival celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and the profound life-changing journey of Lord Buddha. For both Buddhists and Hindus, this day symbolizes the quest for inner peace and a better world, reflecting the universal principles of compassion, wisdom, and righteousness.