BhaktiLoopBuddha Purnima
Commemorates the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and passing (Mahaparinirvana) of Siddhartha Gautama, Lord Buddha. For Hindus, it is significant as Buddha is revered as the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who incarnated to preach Dharma, peace, and non-violence, and in some traditions, to lead people away from Vedic rituals towards a path of compassion.
Key Rituals & Practices
Meditation and prayer, especially focusing on inner peace and wisdom.
Visiting Buddhist temples (Viharas) or Hindu temples with Buddha statues.
Listening to discourses on Buddha's teachings (Dharma).
Offering flowers, candles, incense, and fruits to images of Buddha.
Engaging in charitable acts (Dana), donating to the needy, and feeding monks.
Observing vegetarianism and abstaining from alcohol.
Reciting the Pancha Sila (Five Precepts) more strictly.
Washing and decorating Buddha statues (especially 'bathing the Buddha').
Chanting sacred texts and mantras.
Associated Deities
Hindu Calendar Details
Hindu Month
Vaishakha
Paksha
Shukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight)
Tithi
Purnima (Full Moon)
Regional Relevance & Variations
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Historical & Mythological Context
Buddha Purnima uniquely marks the three most significant events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama: his birth in Lumbini (Nepal), his attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya (India), and his passing into Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar (India). All these events are traditionally believed to have occurred on the same Vaishakha Purnima day. In the Hindu tradition, Buddha is included as the ninth of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, often seen as a divine intervention to guide humanity towards righteousness, peace, and renunciation of animal sacrifice prevalent in some earlier periods.
Alternative Names
Gregorian Date
Varies Annually, typically in April or May (falls on the full moon day of Vaishakha month)