Know about the significance of Buddha Purnima? If not, then we will tell you everything about it here. On this day, the birth of Siddhartha Gautama is celebrated as Gautam Buddha.
The Buddhists or the Buddhist religion followers from all over the world worship Lord Buddha and perform different puja rituals visiting Buddha's holy shrines. The day of Buddha Purnima usually falls in the Asian lunisolar calendar, which comes on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Vaisakha.
On this day, the Buddha followers also prepare delicious food delicacies to nourish the bodies for spiritual reflection. Before knowing what those are, we will first hear about the history of Lord Buddha here. So, let’s take a look:
The History Of Lord Buddha
Lord Buddha was born to Suddhodhana and Maya, the king and queen of the Shakya Clan. The predictions were made about Lord Buddha that one day he would become a ruler or a Greek monk.
So, knowing this, the Lord Buddha’s father, with fear that he would lose his son one day, confined his son to the palace. He was unable to see the outside world before the age of 29.
However, on his first visit to the outside world, after the age of 29, he noticed three things only at first, which were an old man, a dead body, and a sick man. These three sights made him know that the story of this whole world is and also that life is a temporary phase.
So, he went to the jungle and spent his six long years there, studying doctrines and also underground yogic austerities. He also spent seven weeks in the shade of a Bodhi tree, where he attained enlightenment and Nirvana. After this, he preached sermons, did missionary travels for 45 years and left this world at the age of 80.
When is Buddha Purnima in 2025?
Buddha Purnima will be celebrated on the 12th of May this year. The Buddhists celebrate this day with great enthusiasm, observing different rituals and customs.
People also indulge in special practices like meditation to cultivate inner peace, mindfulness, and compassion.
Chanting is also done and the most popular mantra for this festivity is “Om Mani Padme Hum, which is believed to have an immense spiritual power. People also wear Bodhi Seeds Eyes Beaded Bracelet while chanting to rise high in the devotional practice.
Let’s now get to know about what fabulous foods are prepared for this festivity and the different offerings done to the Lord:
Delicious Delicacies Prepared On Buddha Jayanti
Kheer, (the rice pudding): Kheer is prepared by people on this day. It is said that a woman named Sujata prepared Kheer and offered it to Lord Buddha after his long period of meditation, and since then this dish has become symbolic for the day.
Khichdi (lentil and rice dish): Khichdi is made, is a very nutritious food, and represents humility and simplicity.
Vegetable Curry: Vegetable curry is made using vegetables like peas and potatoes with mild spices. It’s a wholesome dish that must be eaten with family and friends.
Poori: Poori is a delicious food that is cooked using wheat flour, salt, and oil for frying. Eat it with sabzi or khichdi, which adds a touch of celebration to the meal.
Laddoo: For sweet buds, laddoo is the most tempting one made using besan (gram flour), ghee, sugar, and cardamom usually.
Sooji Halwa (Semolina Halwa): Sooji halwa is made using ghee, sugar and nuts. It’s a rich and delicious dessert that is made in large quantities to share.
Some Refreshing Drinks To Prepare On The Day
Lassi: Lassi is a cooling and refreshing drink usually made on this day to celebrate this amazing festivity.
Jaljeera: A fresh, tangy, refreshing drink that aids in digestion.
Offerings Made On This Day
Along with these sumptuous dishes as a part of the offerings, some other things are also offered to contemplate the celebration for the day. But what are those? Have a look:
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Flowers, usually the lotus, that symbolize purity and enlightenment.
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Candles and oil lamps, for reflection of Buddha’s wisdom.
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Incense sticks are a must to be included in the worship because these enhance a peaceful and meditative atmosphere.
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Who can forget water to offer, for it is a symbol of purity, peace, and upkeeping the flow of life?
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Clothes are offered to a monk or at the altar as a generous divine act.
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The Bodhi tree saplings are also important to be offered that help in attaining enlightenment. For this, one can also plant a Bodhi tree in one’s garden or community as a living tribute to Buddha’s enlightenment.
The Gist
From the above description, you might have got to know the story behind Buddha’s life, and how he helped people attain enlightenment. Follow the divine principles devised by Lord Buddha and you will seek Moksha and utter wisdom in life.
To know more about the Buddha story and his journey towards spirituality, connect at our platform, pandit.com. For remedial teachings and practices, talk to the renowned celebrity astrologer and spiritualist Pt. Rahul Kaushl.
