In Buddhism, Kartik Purnima is a holy day for spiritual reflection, devotion, and merit-making, often focusing on events from the life of the Buddha and important disciples.
On this auspicious day, the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee also organized a Sanghadāna for the Venerable monks and nuns from various monasteries of Bodhgaya. In the evening, special illuminations were arranged at the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, symbolizing the light of wisdom and spiritual awareness radiating from the serene practices of the Sangha, and offered as a humble tribute to the Compassionate Lord Buddha.
The day is associated with several key events and observances in the Buddhist calendar:
- One tradition holds that Kartik Purnima marks the Buddha’s return to the human realm from the Tushita heaven after teaching the Dharma to his mother, Maya, and other celestial beings. This is seen as a moment of renewal and great compassion.
- Some traditions associate the day with the Buddha giving his last sermon before attaining Parinirvana (though the actual day of Parinirvana is typically Vesak). Other accounts mention events like the ordination of the Kasyapa brothers or the passing away of Sariputta, one of the Buddha’s chief disciples, on this day.
- Buddhists often observe fasts and engage in spiritual practices like observing the eight precepts (eight sheelas), listening to the Dhamma teachings, and making offerings to the Buddha and the Sangha (monastic community).
