Gautam Buddha-Life, Buddha Purnima, Celebration

“If you knew what I know about the power of giving you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way.”
—————-Gautam Budha——————–

‘Buddha’ Meaning and Significance

‘Buddha’ means a feeling of self-realization, peace, social justice. Buddha Purnima plays a significant role in people’s life.

Not only Buddhists but anyone who believes in the principles and teachings of Buddha, celebrates Buddha Purnima.

Buddha Purnima symbolizes the birth, life and enlightenment of Buddha. The world has accepted the teachings of lord Buddha. Its because of his life and deeds that gives the strong lessons to the world  and people knows him as lord Buddha.

5 Interesting Things of Gautam Buddha Life

1. Gautam Buddha was born 563 years ago in the Terai region of Nepal between Kapilvastu and Devdah at a place called Rukminadei, 8 miles west of Nautanwa station, where there was a forest named Lumbini. There he was born.
2. Gautam Buddha was born in a dense forest among two year old trees. Near Kapilvastu, 14 miles from a village named Kakraha in Uttar Pradesh and a little far from the Nepal-India border, there is a village named Ruminodei within Nepal, Lubbini village. At a place called Rukmindei in Pash‍chim, 8 miles away from Nautanwa station, there used to be Lumbini forest at that time.
3. Gautam Buddha’s father was King Suddhodana of Kapilvastu and his mother’s name was Mahamaya. Mahamaya Devi, the queen of Kapilvastu, was on her way to Devdah, the capital of the Naihar Kauliya republic, on the way she gave birth to the Buddha in the Lumbini forest.
4. After the birth of Buddha, a prophet had told King Shuddhodana that this child would become a Chakravarti emperor, but if disinterestedness arose, no one could stop him from becoming a Buddha and its glory would last for eternity in the whole world.
5. His mother died 7 days after the birth of Buddha, then his aunt Gautami brought him up and then his birth name was Siddhartha.

Why is Buddha Purnima Celebrated?

Buddha Purnima is also known as Buddha Jayanti. Buddha Purnima is a Buddhist festival which celebrates the birthday of Gautam Buddha.

It is an auspicious day that marks the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha. As per the records Gautam Buddha was born on 563-480 BCE in Lumbini which is now located in Nepal. He was raised in the Shakya capital of Kapilvastu.

Buddhist and those who follow Buddha celebrates Buddha Purnima on his birthday which varies from year to year according to the Western Gregorian calendar. But this is sure that it always falls in the month of April or May. Sometimes, it can fall on June also if the year is a leap year one.

Buddha Purnima provides us an opportunity to free us from violence and inner conflicts. Buddha teaches us to connect with the world and live in harmony with all.

How to Celebrate Buddha Purnima?

All the places related to Buddha like Kushinagar, Kapilvastu, Shrivasti, Nalanda, Rajgir, Kaushambi, vaishiali etc. are the most spiritual places. These places have become tourist places also and a lot of people visit here to get the teachings of Buddha.

Vesak Day

In South and South-East countries like Singapore etc Buddha’s birth is celebrated a Vesak day. Vesak day embarks the enlightenment and death of Gautam Buddha.

What is worn on Buddha Purnima?

Those who  are the followers of Buddha prefer to wear white clothes and stay away from non-vegetarian food. They follow the teachings and path given by Buddha. Prayers are offered to the Lord Buddha on this auspicious day.  Mahatama Buddha always taught to follow the path of love, peace and non-violence.

Mahabodhi Temple

There is a famous Buddha temple, ‘Mahabodhi’, in Bodh Gaya, Bihar which is a World Heritage site as per UNESCO.  It is said that in this temple only Buddha attained enlightenment.

Is Buddha Incarnation/Avatar of Lord Vishnu?

Actually if we go into the depth we would find that there were two Bhuddhas; Sugata bhuddha and Gautama Bhuddha. Sugata Bhuddha was the avatar of Vishnu who was born in Bodh Gaya (Kikata). His mother was Anjana while Mahatama Buddha’s mother name was “Mahamaya”.

Read more about this in the article on 10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu

Omilights Youtube video on “Gautam Buddha” Inspirational Quotes

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