Medin Full Moon Poya Day

Medin Poya, falling in the month of March, holds profound significance in the Buddhist calendar, marking the day when Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, the Fully Enlightened One, visited his father, King Suddodhana, for the first time.

A Royal Invitation and a Unique Mission

In the seventh year after his enlightenment, Lord Buddha, accompanied by 20,000 bhikkus, responded to a heartfelt invitation from his father, who eagerly awaited the visit of the Samma Sambuddha. Minister Kaludai played a pivotal role in successfully bringing the Buddha back to Kapilawasthupura, His birthplace.

Significant Events Unfold

On Medin Full Moon Poya day, Lord Buddha’s return to His birthplace sparked several momentous events that would resonate through the ages.

• Twin Miracle: Upon the Buddha’s visit to Kapilavattu, the Shakyans extended a welcome but refrained from worshiping him, tainted by conceit. In response, the Buddha enacted the twin miracle, humbling the Shakyans and prompting widespread reverence, with even King Suddhodhana paying homage to the Enlightened One.
• Dhamma for the King: During this visit, the Buddha preached the Dhamma to King Suddodhana, who, in the twilight of his life, attained Sothapanna after embracing the teachings.
• Yasodhara’s Spiritual Awakening: Princess Yasodhara, Siddhartha’s grieving wife for seven years, found solace and enlightenment by embracing the Dhamma during this visit.
• Rahula’s Ordination: Siddhartha’s only son, Rahula, at the tender age of seven, was ordained as the first Samanera or novice monk during this visit.
• Nanda’s Renunciation: Prince Nanda, stepbrother of Lord Buddha, chose the path of renunciation, leaving behind worldly desires to become a devoted follower of the Dhamma.

National Commemoration and Reflection

Medin Poya is a revered national holiday in Sri Lanka, drawing Buddhists from across the country to temples where they offer flowers, meditate, and engage in Dhamma teachings. Business activities come to a standstill as the nation collectively reflects on the transformative impact of the Buddha’s teachings on the lives of those close to Him.

As Sri Lankans commemorate this historic event, the noble religious beliefs that guide their lives become evident, emphasizing the enduring influence of the Dhamma in shaping the cultural and spiritual fabric of the island.