The Sacred Significance of Vesak Full Moon Poya Day – By Malsha – eLanka
Vesak Full Moon Poya Day stands as the holiest and most significant religious observance for Buddhists across the world. This revered day marks several pivotal events in the life of Gautama Buddha—his birth, Enlightenment, and Parinibbana (passing away). Recognizing its profound spiritual importance, the late Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar played a vital role in declaring Vesak as an international religious day, acknowledged by the United Nations.
Despite global and local challenges, including international terrorism, Sri Lanka remains steadfast in its commitment to celebrate this spiritually enriching occasion with reverence and devotion.
Temangula – The Three Sacred Events
The term Temangula in Sinhala combines “Te” (three) and “Mangula” (auspicious events), referring to the triple occurrences on Vesak:
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The birth of Prince Siddhartha,
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His attainment of Enlightenment, and
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His passing into Parinibbana.
These three momentous events give Vesak its unmatched spiritual importance. Buddhists in Sri Lanka and countries such as Nepal, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Japan, China, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Tibet, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, and beyond observe this day with great veneration.
The Birth of the Bodhisattva
Prince Siddhartha was born on a Vesak Full Moon day over 2,600 years ago in Lumbini Park, while his mother, Queen Maha Maya, was en route to her parental home. The newborn prince miraculously walked on seven lotus flowers. Saint Asitha Kaladewala, a sage and advisor to King Suddhodana, predicted the infant’s destiny as a savior of the world.
The First Salutation
Saint Asitha, foreseeing his own death before the prince’s Enlightenment, paid homage to the child. Witnessing this, King Suddhodana realized his son’s greatness and also bowed before him.
The Renunciation
Despite the king’s efforts to shelter the prince from worldly suffering, Siddhartha encountered the Four Signs—an aged person, a sick person, a corpse, and a monk. These led him to renounce royal life, including his wife Yasodhara and son Rahula, to seek liberation.
Enlightenment
After six years of intense self-discipline, Siddhartha attained Supreme Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree at Buddha Gaya on a Vesak Full Moon night. He developed the Threefold Knowledge:
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Pubbe-nivasanussati Gnana: Recollection of past lives,
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Catupapata Gnana: Knowledge of beings’ deaths and rebirths,
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Asavakkhaya Gnana: Destruction of mental defilements.
Thus, he became the Samma Sambuddha (Perfectly Enlightened One), through his own efforts without any divine intervention.
Parinibbana
On a Vesak Full Moon Poya day, the Buddha passed away peacefully at Kusinara’s Sal Park, emphasizing the impermanence of all phenomena.
Niyata Vivaranaya – The Assurance of Buddhahood
The assurance of future Buddhahood was granted to Gautama during a previous life as ascetic Sumedha, by Deepankara Buddha. On a Vesak day, Sumedha offered his own body as a path for the Buddha to tread, an act of ultimate devotion that led to the declaration of his future Enlightenment.
Yama Maha Perahera – The Twin Miracle
Exactly one year after his Enlightenment, the Buddha performed the Yama Maha Perahera, or Twin Miracle, to humble his proud relatives, displaying supernatural powers that amazed and inspired.
The Buddha’s Third Visit to Sri Lanka
In the eighth year after Enlightenment, the Buddha made his third and final visit to Sri Lanka on a Vesak Full Moon day, at the invitation of Naga King Maniakkhika of Kelaniya. This visit followed his mediation of a dispute between Naga chieftains Chulodara and Mahodara.
The Sacred Footprint on Sri Pada
Accompanied by god Sumana Saman, the Buddha visited Samantakuta (Sri Pada) and left his sacred footprint, now a venerated pilgrimage site for generations of Buddhists.
The Origin of the Sinhala Community
Coinciding with the Buddha’s Parinibbana, Prince Vijaya, the forefather of the Sinhala race, is believed to have landed in Sri Lanka on the same Vesak day. He established the first Sinhalese kingdom, marking the beginning of a unique cultural and spiritual lineage.
Royal and Historical Vesak Connections
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King Devanampiyatissa was anointed for the second time on a Vesak Poya day under Emperor Dharmasoka’s auspices.
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King Dutugemunu commenced the sacred construction of Ruwanweliseya on Vesak Poya, enshrining relics and a golden statue of the Buddha.
Amisa Puja and Pratipatti Puja
Vesak celebrations encompass both:
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Amisa Puja: Material offerings such as alms (dansal), flowers, and lamps.
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Pratipatti Puja: Spiritual practices including meditation, observance of precepts (sil), and acts of compassion.
On this blessed day, Buddhists reaffirm their commitment to the Buddha’s teachings, engaging in acts of charity, morality, and spiritual reflection to honor the Enlightened One’s legacy.
