Bak Poya holds profound significance in the Buddhist calendar as it marks the second visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka during the fifth year of his Supreme Enlightenment. According to the Mahavamsa, an epic poem chronicling the history of Sri Lanka, the Buddha’s visit was driven by the noble intention of resolving a conflict between two groups of Naga and restoring harmony to the land.

Peaceful Intervention in Nagadipa

The conflict at the center of the Buddha’s intervention involved Naga King Mahodara and his nephew, Chulodara, both belonging to the Naga community. The source of contention was a gem-studded throne, a precious heirloom passed down from Chulodara’s mother. The disagreement had escalated to the point of imminent battle.

Dhamma Sermons for Unity

The Buddha, recognizing the need for reconciliation, intervened just as the rival factions were poised for conflict. Through the power of his teachings, he not only quelled the dispute but also instilled a sense of unity and understanding among the warring parties. The Dhamma sermons preached by the Buddha became the catalyst for peace, fostering a newfound harmony on the island.

The Offering and Enshrinement

In a gesture of gratitude and reverence, the once-warring kings jointly offered the precious throne to the Buddha. However, demonstrating his humility, the Buddha graciously declined the gift. The throne, laden with significance, was returned to the Naga Kings. Subsequently, it found its eternal resting place within the Rajayathana stupa at Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple erected on the very site where the transformative events transpired.

Bak Poya, therefore, stands as a testament to the Buddha’s compassionate intervention, his teachings of wisdom and unity, and the enduring symbol of a reconciled community. The narrative echoes through the sacred halls of Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya, resonating with the timeless message of peace and enlightenment.

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.

Navam Full Moon Poya holds special significance in the hearts of Buddhists in Sri Lanka, marking two pivotal events that shaped the early foundations of Buddhism. This sacred occasion serves as a time of reflection, reverence, and commemoration.

Appointment of Chief Disciples

At the core of Navam Poya’s observance lies the commemoration of the appointment of Sariputta and Moggallana as the first two chief disciples (Aggasavakes) of Gautama Buddha. These esteemed disciples, renowned for their wisdom and spiritual prowess, played instrumental roles in the dissemination of the Buddha’s teachings.

Sariputta, often hailed as the “General of the Dhamma,” possessed an unparalleled understanding of Buddhist philosophy, contributing significantly to the explication and propagation of the Dhamma. Moggallana, distinguished by his extraordinary supernatural powers, added a dimension of awe to the Sangha, showcasing the diverse capabilities within the discipleship.

The First Sangha Gathering

Navam Poya also serves as a momentous reminder of the first Sangha gathering, an event that unfolded during the Buddha’s lifetime. During this gathering, the Buddha delivered the first Disciplinary advice to the monks, known as “Ovada Patimokkha.” This ethical guidance laid the groundwork for the monastic community’s conduct, ensuring the purity of the Dhamma and fostering a harmonious Sangha.

In temples across Sri Lanka, devotees engage in prayers, meditation, and rituals, retracing the footsteps of the early Sangha and expressing gratitude for the teachings that form the bedrock of Buddhist ethics.

The Buddha’s Detachment

Adding another layer of profundity to Navam Poya is the pivotal moment when the Buddha, three months before Vesak Poya, let go of the Life faculty. This act of detachment, occurring at the invitation of Mara, the evil one, symbolizes the Buddha’s transcendence beyond the realm of worldly existence. It marks a prelude to the ultimate attainment of Parinibbana on Vesak Poya day.

In this act of surrendering the Life faculty, the Buddha exemplifies the highest form of detachment, showcasing that true liberation lies in letting go of the transient and embracing the eternal. This poignant moment becomes woven into the fabric of Navam Poya, inviting devotees to contemplate the nature of impermanence and the path to ultimate liberation.

Observing Navam Poya Today

As devotees gather in temples adorned with vibrant decorations, Navam Poya becomes a celebration of spiritual heritage. Dressed in pure white, Buddhists engage in rituals, prayer, and acts of generosity. The observance of Sil, moral precepts, adds a dimension of ethical reflection to the festivities, fostering a sense of community and unity.

The full moon shines as a beacon of enlightenment, guiding Buddhists on a journey of introspection and reverence. Navam Full Moon Poya stands as a testament to the multifaceted spiritual legacy, intertwining the wisdom of Chief Disciples with the Buddha’s acts of detachment, creating a harmonious symphony of traditions that endure through the ages.

Duruthu Poya holds profound religious and historical significance in the Sri Lankan calendar, commemorating Gautama Buddha’s inaugural visit to the island just nine months after attaining Enlightenment.

Mahiyanganaya Visit

Approximately 2,500 years ago, Gautama Buddha made his first visit to Mahiyanganaya in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka. According to ancient Sri Lankan texts, such as the Mahavansa and Dipavansa, this visit aimed to tame the Yakkhas inhibited the island. During his stay, the Buddha delivered sermons to the local Deities that had a transformative impact.

Sacred Footprint on Samanala Mountain

The Buddha’s teachings left a lasting impression, both figuratively and literally. Impressed by the sermons, the local deity Sumana Saman invited the Buddha to leave his sacred footprint on the peak of the Samanala Mountain, which is today known as Sri Pada. Duruthu Poya marks the commencement of the three-month pilgrimage season to Samanala Mountain, where devotees worship the sacred footprint.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Procession

Duruthu Poya is further celebrated with a grand procession, known as the perahera, at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, a prominent Buddhist temple located about seven miles from Colombo. Taking place on the pre-full moon poya day, this spectacular event attracts thousands of spectators. The perahera, featuring dancers and animals, unfolds over two hours, showcasing the cultural richness and religious fervor of the occasion.

In years with two full moons in January, the second full moon poya is designated as Adhi Duruthu Poya. This additional celebration may coincide with the perahera, offering an extended opportunity for devotees to participate in religious and cultural observances.