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Buddha Purnima बुद्ध पूर्णिमा

Dedicated to Vishnu

About Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (passing) of Gautama Buddha, all believed to have occurred on the full moon of Vaishakha. In the Hindu tradition, Buddha is revered as the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The day holds profound significance for both Buddhists and Hindus. Devotees visit Buddhist temples and monasteries, meditate, offer prayers, and practice acts of kindness. The Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, where Siddhartha attained enlightenment, becomes a pilgrimage center. Charitable acts — feeding the poor, donating to monasteries, and releasing caged animals — are central observances. The festival promotes Buddha's core teachings of compassion (karuna), non-violence (ahimsa), and the Middle Path as the way to end suffering.

बुद्ध पूर्णिमा, जिसे वेसाक भी कहते हैं, गौतम बुद्ध के जन्म, ज्ञान प्राप्ति और महापरिनिर्वाण (देहत्याग) का उत्सव है — ये सभी वैशाख की पूर्णिमा को हुए माने जाते हैं। हिंदू परंपरा में बुद्ध को भगवान विष्णु का नौवाँ अवतार माना जाता है। यह दिन बौद्धों और हिंदुओं दोनों के लिए गहन महत्व रखता है। भक्त बौद्ध मंदिरों और मठों में जाते हैं, ध्यान करते हैं, प्रार्थना करते हैं और दयालुता के कार्य करते हैं। बोध गया में बोधि वृक्ष, जहाँ सिद्धार्थ ने ज्ञान प्राप्त किया, तीर्थ स्थल बन जाता है। दानशीलता — गरीबों को भोजन कराना, मठों को दान देना और पिंजरे में बंद पशुओं को मुक्त करना — प्रमुख आचरण हैं। यह त्योहार बुद्ध की मूल शिक्षाओं — करुणा, अहिंसा और मध्यम मार्ग — को बढ़ावा देता है।

Spiritual Significance

Buddha Purnima uniquely commemorates the three most important events in Buddha's life on a single day. His teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path continue to guide millions. In Vedic tradition, his incarnation as a Vishnu avatar represents divine compassion manifesting to reduce suffering.

बुद्ध पूर्णिमा अद्वितीय रूप से बुद्ध के जीवन की तीन सबसे महत्वपूर्ण घटनाओं को एक ही दिन स्मरण करती है। चार आर्य सत्यों और अष्टांगिक मार्ग पर उनकी शिक्षाएँ करोड़ों लोगों का मार्गदर्शन करती रहती हैं। वैदिक परंपरा में, विष्णु अवतार के रूप में उनका अवतरण दुख कम करने के लिए दिव्य करुणा की अभिव्यक्ति है।

Key Rituals & Practices

  1. Meditate and practice mindfulness throughout the day
  2. Visit Buddhist temples or monasteries and offer prayers
  3. Donate food, clothing, and essentials to the needy
  4. Read or listen to Buddhist scriptures and teachings
  5. Release caged birds or animals as an act of compassion

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buddha considered a Hindu deity?

In the Hindu tradition, Gautama Buddha is recognized as the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu in the Dashavatara (ten incarnations). This inclusion reflects Hinduism's absorptive nature and respect for Buddha's teachings. However, Buddhists view Siddhartha Gautama as a human who attained enlightenment through his own effort, not as a Hindu deity. Both traditions celebrate Buddha Purnima, though with different theological frameworks.

What happened at Bodh Gaya?

Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India, is where Prince Siddhartha Gautama sat in deep meditation under a Peepal tree (now called the Bodhi Tree) and attained enlightenment (Bodhi) at the age of 35, becoming the Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built at this spot. A descendant of the original Bodhi Tree still stands there, making it one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Buddhists and Hindus worldwide.

How is Buddha Purnima different from Vesak?

They are essentially the same celebration. 'Buddha Purnima' is the term commonly used in India, while 'Vesak' (or 'Visakha Puja') is the international name recognized by the United Nations and used in Southeast Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. In India, the Hindu aspect emphasizes Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu, while the Buddhist celebration focuses on his historical life and teachings. The date aligns with the full moon of Vaishakha in both traditions.

Festival Details

Deity
Vishnu
Category
Wisdom & Knowledge
Regions
Pan-India
Calendar Basis
Hindu Lunar (Panchang)
Hindu Month
Vaishakha — Shukla Paksha, Purnima
Importance
major