The Esala Full Moon Poya Day with several significant events in Buddhist history falls today.
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.
The other noteworthy events connected with this day include the conception of the Bodhisatta in the womb of Queen Maha Maya, his Great Renunciation, the performance of the Twin Miracle (yamaka-patihariya), and his preaching of the Abhidhamma for the first time in the Tavatimsa heaven.
It is said that 50 disciples, including Prince Aritta, received their ordination on a full moon day in Esala.
Prince Dantha and Princess Hemamala brought the tooth relic to Sri Lanka on a day like today.
Esala Poya is also significant since the Buddhist monks residing in the temples commence their ‘Vas’ from the full moon day of Esala.
