Buddha Purnima is associated with Lord Gautama Buddha; it marks the day of his birth. Also known as Vaishakh Purnima, this festival falls on May 20, 2027, this year. According to scriptures, this day symbolizes the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (final liberation) of Gautama Buddha. It was on this day—after years of wandering in the forests—that he attained the knowledge of truth and realized the meaning of the phrase “Appa Deepo Bhava” (Be a light unto yourself). This festival is celebrated in countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
Buddha Purnima 2027: Date and Auspicious Timings
Lord Gautama Buddha’s birthday falls on Friday, May 20, 2027. On this day, devotees observe a fast and take a holy dip in the Ganges. The timings for Buddha Purnima in 2027 are as follows:
Sunrise: May 20, 05:47 AM.
Sunset: May 20, 06:58 PM.
Purnima Tithi (Full Moon) Timing: M ay 19, 04:03 PM – May 20, 04:29 PM.
Lord Gautama Buddha – An Incarnation of Vishnu
Various stories regarding Gautama Buddha exist within Hinduism. One section of the Hindu faith regards Lord Gautama Buddha as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In many parts of North India, he is worshipped as an avatar of Vishnu, and this specific form is venerated during the Buddha Purnima celebrations.
Conversely, in South India, Gautama Buddha is not considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. There is a vast number of followers of Lord Buddha across the world. Lord Gautama Buddha is an apostle of peace; although he once lived in a palace and performed royal duties, a time came when he detached himself from worldly attachments and ventured into the forests in search of the Divine. After wandering in the forests for a long time, Gautam Buddha attained the knowledge of truth.
Significance of Buddha Purnima
Lord Gautam Buddha holds great significance in our lives because his life offers us numerous inspirations that can guide us on our own paths.
1. Birth of Lord Gautam Buddha – Gautam Buddha was born in the 6th century BCE in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal) to King Suddhodana and Queen Mayadevi of the Shakya Kshatriya clan. His birth was no ordinary event; he was born to lead people toward the path of wisdom and to guide humanity with compassion and knowledge.
2. Great Transformation – Once, while touring the city, he witnessed four sights that deeply disturbed his mind and steered him toward the pursuit of wisdom:
a. An elderly person
b. A sick person
c. A corpse
d. A serene ascetic
3. Attainment of Enlightenment – After years of rigorous penance and meditation, he attained supreme enlightenment (Nirvana) beneath a Peepal tree (Bodhi Tree) in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, on the night of Vaishakh Purnima.
4. Mahaparinirvana – Buddha Purnima also commemorates the Mahaparinirvana; at the age of 80, he shed his mortal body in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, and attained ultimate liberation.
Lessons to Learn from the Life of Lord Gautam Buddha
There are certain things we should all learn from the life of Lord Gautam Buddha. Let us explore what can be learned from his life.
1. Lord Gautam Buddha always advised his disciples to seek the truth for themselves. ‘Appo Deepo Bhava’ (Be a light unto yourself) is considered Gautam Buddha’s most prominent teaching. He encouraged his disciples to adopt this principle in their lives.
2. Lord Gautam Buddha advised his disciples to live peacefully and perform good deeds in life. Buddha used to tell his disciples that nothing we receive in this life truly belongs to us. One should not succumb to greed; only by renouncing ego can one attain the Divine.
What should be donated on the day of Purnima (Full Moon)?
In Hinduism, the act of charity holds great significance on the day of Purnima. Donating food grains, clothing, and white items—such as milk, curd, sugar, and rice—is considered most meritorious. Such acts bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to the home and help alleviate lunar afflictions in one’s horoscope.