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Vaishakh Purnima has special significance for Hinduism and Buddhism. Lord Gautam Buddha’s birth anniversary is celebrated on this day. On this holy date, Buddhist followers around the world spread the message of following the teachings of Buddha and embracing peace and wisdom. Let us know when Buddha Jayanti will be celebrated this year and the religious significance associated with this day.
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated every year on the full moon date of Vaishakh month. According to belief, on this day Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment and attained Mahaparinirvana. This year in 2026, Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti will be celebrated on Friday, May 1.
Importance of Buddha Purnima
On the full moon day of Baisakh month, the Sun is in its exalted sign Aries and the Moon is in its exalted sign Libra. Therefore, on this full moon day, the special importance of bathing in Ganga or any holy river and charity has been mentioned in the scriptures. It is believed that donations made on this full moon day yield virtuous results. Also, worshiping Lord Vishnu and reciting Vishnu Sahastranam on this day is considered extremely fruitful.
Also read: Vaishakh Purnima 2026 Date: When is Vaishakh Purnima, 30th April or 1st May, know the exact date and time of bathing and donation.
Why is Vaishakh Purnima called Buddha Purnima?
It is believed that on the day of Vaisakh Purnima, three important events in the life of Gautam Buddha took place. According to Hindu mythological belief, on the day of Vaishakh Purnima, Mahatma Buddha was born as the 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu to show the path of non-violence, peace and knowledge. On this day he attained enlightenment (Bodhi) in Bodh Gaya.
It is also said that on the day of Vaishakh Purnima, Buddha attained complete freedom from worldly bondages in Kushinagar. Due to these events related to the life of Buddha on Vaishakh Purnima, it is called Buddha Purnima. Therefore, Buddha Purnima is not just a festival but gives the message of introspection, peace and living a positive life.
Buddha’s birth and differences
There are many differences of opinion regarding the time of birth and death of Lord Gautam Buddha. According to historians, Buddha’s lifetime is 563-483 BC. It is said to be between. Most people consider a place called Lumbini in Nepal to be the birthplace of Buddha. It is said that Buddha died at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.
Was Buddha the 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu?
- In Hindu religion, there are different traditions and different beliefs in different regions regarding the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. According to the belief of North India, Gautam Buddha is considered to be the 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This belief is mainly based on the Puranas and some texts of Vaishnava tradition, in which Buddha is included in the Dashavatara of Vishnu.
- At the same time, there is a different viewpoint on this in the beliefs of South India. Here in many traditions, Balarama is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is considered to be the 8th incarnation, while Lord Krishna is considered to be the 9th incarnation.
- Apart from this, Buddhism has its own distinct beliefs. In the Buddhist tradition, Gautam Buddha is considered a great spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism. In Buddhism, Gautam Buddha is not considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
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