BUDDHA PURNIMA & BODHGAYA

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is an auspicious occasion celebrated by Buddhists all around the world. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and death (parinirvana) of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in April or May.

Mahabodhi Temple Complex (Source: Manish Bhandari)

Lord Buddha spent a considerable amount of time in Bodhgaya, a small town in Bihar, India, which is considered one of the most sacred places for Buddhists. It is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, which still stands today in the Mahabodhi Temple complex.

Bodhgaya was known as Uruvela in ancient times, and it was here that the young prince Siddhartha Gautama renounced his luxurious life and began his spiritual journey. After six years of intense meditation and self-mortification, he realized that extreme asceticism was not the path to liberation. He then sat under the Bodhi tree and meditated until he attained enlightenment, or Bodhi.

Bodhgaya is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world who come to pay their respects to Lord Buddha and seek blessings. The Mahabodhi Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main attraction of Bodhgaya. It houses the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi tree, and several other sacred sites associated with Lord Buddha's life.

The Mahabodhi Temple is a grand structure that dates back to the 5th or 6th century CE, and it is one of the oldest brick structures in India. The temple's main shrine contains a gilded statue of Lord Buddha in a seated posture, with his right hand touching the earth, symbolizing his victory over Maya, the demon of illusion. The temple's architecture is a blend of Indian and Southeast Asian styles, and it features intricate carvings and relief work.

Buddha Purnima is a special occasion for Buddhists to visit Bodhgaya and pay homage to Lord Buddha. On this day, devotees gather in temples and monasteries to offer prayers, chant mantras, and meditate. Many also engage in acts of charity and kindness, following Lord Buddha's teachings of compassion and non-violence. This year Buddha Purnima will be celebrated on May 5th, 2023.

Abhishek Kumar

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