Binara Full Moon Poya day with great significance to Buddhists across the world falls today (29).

On Binara Full Moon Poya Day, Sri Lankan Buddhists commemorate the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sasana at the request of Gauthama Buddha’s foster mother, Maha Prajapathi Gothami.

The Vinaya Pitaka and Anguttara Nikaya says the Buddha initially rejected the request made by his foster-mother to enter into monastic life.

The Buddha refused, saying, “No, Gothami, do not wish for women to enter homeless life in this doctrine and discipline that has been taught by the Tathagata. Maha-Prajapati Gothami made the same request on two other occasions, but the Buddha gave a negative answer each time, and Maha-Prajapati Gothami was very disappointed.

However, Ananda Thera later made a new request on their behalf. This time, the Buddha gave permission to Maha-Prajapati Gothami to enter the homeless life ‘in this doctrine and discipline’ on condition that she would accept the Eight Great Conditions.

The other significance of this Poya is that it falls during the Vas retreat season of bhikkhus.

The two merchants, Tapassu and Bhallika, paved for the construction of the Girihandu Stupa by placing the Buddha’s hair relics and the construction of the Seruwawila Stupa by placing the Buddha’s Lalata Dathun Wahanse.

Buddhists in Sri Lanka mark the Binara Full Moon Poya Day every year by engaging in many religious activities.