Buddha Purnima 2024 Date and Time: Know the significance of 2586th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha

Buddha Purnima 2024: 2586th Birth Anniversary of Gautama Buddha

This year Buddha Purnima will be celebrated on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Buddha Purnima is also known as Buddha Jayanti, Vesak, Vaishaka and Buddha's Birthday. It celebrates the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, marking his birth anniversary and the day of attaining enlightenment (nirvana).

Buddha Purnima during Vaishakha month is celebrated as birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha. Gautama Buddha whose birth name was Siddhartha Gautama was a spiritual teacher on whose teachings Buddhism was founded.

Buddha Purnima Date and timings:

Origin and Significance of Buddha Purnima

Gautama Buddha, who was born in Lumbini, Nepal around 563 BC, attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. He overcame the cycle of birth and rebirth, taking on the roles of philosopher, spiritual guide, religious leader, and devoted meditator. Buddha Purnima celebrates the 'Enlightened One', who achieved liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

In North India, Buddha is regarded as the ninth incarnation and Lord Krishna as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Conversely, in South Indian tradition, Buddha is not seen as an avatar of Vishnu. Instead, Balarama is revered as the eighth incarnation and Krishna as the ninth. Most Vaishnava movements recognize Balarama as an incarnation of Vishnu, while Buddhists do not view Buddha as an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Also Read: When is Buddha Purnima 2024? 22 or 23 May? Check Vaishakh Purnima Vrat Tithi, Rituals, and Importance