Vap Full Moon Poya Day, an important day in the Buddhist calendar, is being observed today.
According to Buddhist history, on this day, Lord Buddha descended from the Tavatimsa Heaven to Sankassa in ancient India, where he performed the Twin Miracle, following the conclusion of his seventh annual rains retreat in the celestial realm.
The day also marks the conclusion of the three-month Vas retreat for Buddhist monks who commenced their observance at the beginning of the rainy season.
Vap Full Moon Poya Day is significant due to several important events in Buddhist history. These include the Maha Pavarana, the descent of the Buddha from the celestial realm, the attainment of foremost wisdom by Arahant Sariputta, the ordination of Bodhisattva Maitreya into the Buddhist Order established by Gautama Buddha, the recitation of the Vinaya at the courtyard of the Thuparama Stupa, and the placing of the southern branch of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in a golden vessel.
Meanwhile, TV Derana’s live broadcast of “Derana Abhiwandana” for Vap Full Moon Poya Day is currently underway at the Labunoruwa Kanda Forest Monastery.
In addition, FM Derana’s 135th Asapuwa Poya Day live broadcast is being held at the Sri Dharmaraja Pirivena Temple in Kanadulla, Kuliyapitiya.
