Buddha Purnima

Prince Siddhartha Gautama of the Shakya clan leaves his palace at age 29 after seeing the Four Sights (old age, sickness, death, a wandering ascetic). Six years of austerities yield nothing. On Vaishakha Purnima at Bodh Gaya under the Bodhi tree, he finally attains enlightenment — seeing the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. His integration in the Sanatan tradition as the ninth avatar of Vishnu in the Dashavatara.

Lord Vishnu manifested as the Kurma (tortoise) avatar to support the Mandara mountain during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean). This divine intervention by Vishnu, in his second incarnation, was crucial for providing a stable base for the mountain, enabling the Devas and Asuras to successfully churn the ocean and obtain the Amrita (nectar of immortality). The manifestation of the Kurma Avatar is traditionally associated with Vaishakha Purnima.

On Vaishakha Purnima, there is a prescribed observance of the Dharmaraja Vrat, dedicated to Yama, the god of death. Devotees undertake this fast and perform acts of charity, such as donating water-filled pots, umbrellas, shoes, fans, and food items. This observance is believed to please Dharmaraja, granting protection from untimely death and bestowing significant spiritual merit, equivalent to donating a cow.

Vaishakha Purnima is observed as the disappearance day of Srila Madhavendra Puri in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. A revered spiritual guru of the 14th century, Madhavendra Puri played a pivotal role in the development of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. His contributions include spreading the glories of Lord Krishna and establishing a significant lineage of devotion.

In the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, Vaishakha Purnima also marks the disappearance day of Srila Srinivasa Acharya. He was a prominent acharya (spiritual teacher) whose life and teachings significantly contributed to the propagation and understanding of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. His contributions are commemorated on this auspicious full moon day.

Kurma Jayanti celebrates the appearance of Lord Vishnu in his second incarnation as Kurma, the divine tortoise. During the Samudra Manthan (ocean churning), Lord Kurma supported the Mandaranchal mountain on his back, enabling the gods and demons to churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality. Devotees observe fasts, perform puja, and read scriptures on this day.

The Satyanarayan Vrat and Puja are performed to seek the blessings of Lord Satyanarayan, an embodiment of truth and a form of Lord Vishnu. Observing this fast and performing the puja is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and liberation, fulfilling desires and removing obstacles. It is a popular observance on Purnima days, including Vaishakha Purnima.

Vaishakha Purnima marks the culmination of the month-long Vaishakha Snan, an auspicious practice of taking early morning baths in holy rivers. This observance, performed throughout the month of Vaishakha, is believed to purify sins, grant spiritual merit, and bestow blessings from Lord Vishnu. The Purnima day is considered particularly potent for this ritual.

The Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, which begins on Akshaya Tritiya, traditionally concludes its 'Bahar Chandan' (outer Chandan) period on Vaishakha Purnima. During this festival, the Utsava Murtis (representative deities) of Lord Jagannath, along with other deities, are adorned with cooling sandalwood paste and taken for ceremonial boat rides in Narendra Sarovar to alleviate the summer heat.

For Gaudiya Vaishnavas, Vaishakha Purnima is observed as the disappearance day of Srila Madhavendra Puri, a revered spiritual master and a pivotal figure in the development of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. He is known for his profound devotion to Lord Krishna and his significant contributions to the philosophical and devotional lineage.

On Vaishakha Shukla Purnima, the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become the Buddha, is celebrated. He was born in Lumbini, Nepal, to King Suddhodhana and Queen Maya Devi. This auspicious event is a cornerstone of Buddhist tradition, marking the arrival of the enlightened one to the world.

Vaishakha Shukla Purnima also commemorates the Mahaparinirvana, or the final passing away, of Gautama Buddha at the age of eighty in Kushinagar. This event signifies his complete liberation from the cycle of birth and death, having achieved ultimate enlightenment during his lifetime.

Lord Krishna advised his childhood friend Sudama to observe the Satya Vinayak Vrat on Vaishakha Purnima to alleviate his poverty. Following Krishna's counsel, Sudama performed this fast with devotion. As a result of observing the Satya Vinayak Vrat, Sudama's financial hardships were overcome, and he attained immense wealth and prosperity. This narrative highlights the efficacy of the Vaishakha Purnima fast for material well-being.