Bodhgaya, 10 July 2025 — Āṣāḍhī Pūrṇimā, a day of immense spiritual significance in the Buddhist tradition, was observed with reverence and devotion at the sacred Mahabodhi Temple. The occasion commemorates two pivotal events in the life of Lord Buddha: the delivering of his first sermon—the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta—at the Deer Park in Sarnath, and the establishment of the Saṅgha, thus setting in motion the Wheel of Dhamma.
Marking the commencement of the annual three-month monastic retreat (Vassa Vāsa), Venerable Bhikkhus from India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia gathered under the sacred Bodhi Tree to offer prayers and inaugurate the Rainy Season Retreat. This retreat period is dedicated to intensive meditation, spiritual study, and deepened communal harmony among the monastic Sangha.
Adding to the sanctity of the day, a group of children from Thailand were ordained as novice monks (sāmaṇeras) for a few days, embracing the teachings and lifestyle of the Buddha during this sacred observance.
Adding to the spiritual gravity of the occasion, after a gap of five years, the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee resumed its tradition of organising Sangha Dana (offering to the monastic community) on the Full Moon Day. Held in the newly inaugurated office premises, the event brought together venerable Bhikkhus, Lamas, Bhikkhunis, and nuns from various traditions. The Committee announced that Sangha Dana offerings will now be held regularly on every Full Moon Day, reaffirming Bodhgaya’s commitment to serving the global monastic community. It was suspended due to COVID 19.
The solemnity and international participation in this year’s Āṣāḍhī Pūrṇimā celebration reflected the enduring relevance and universal message of the Buddha’s first discourse—the path of liberation and peace.