The Adhi Esala Full Moon Poya day is celebrated today (03).
Since this year is a leap year, today has been named as the Adhi Esala Poya apart from the Esala Poya falling on August 1.
It is mentioned in Buddhist history that the Bodhisattva as a prince was conceived by Queen Mahamaya on an Esala Full Moon day.
The Buddha’s preaching of his First Sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to the five ascetics took place at the ‘Deer Park’, near Benares, on an Esala Poya Day thereby inaugurating his public ministry.
The other noteworthy events connected with this day include the Great Renunciation, the performance of the Twin Miracle (yamaka-patihariya), and his preaching the Abhidhamma for the first time in the Tavatimsa heaven.
