Buddha delivered first sermon on Esala Poya

Esala Poya is significant for Buddhists for several reasons. The major among them is that on this Poya day the Buddha delivered his first sermon, Dhammacacca Pavattana Sutra to five ascetics at Baranesa Isipathane Migadaya.

Later, the Buddha sent his 60 disciples in different ways to preach his Dhamma and one of such disciples Ven.SonaThera reached Thailand where the Buddhism is widely practised to date. Later a Vihara was built in the region to mark the arrival of Ven.Sona Thera which was named later Phra Pathom Vihara. Phra Pathom is the oldest Buddhist temple in Thailand where Buddhism was first introduced. During the same period, Arahat Mahinda introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

The construction of this chetiya was started in 1853 by King Monghut and completed during the reign of King Rama V. It is 120 metres high and contains the relics of the Buddha. During the month of November, Thais hold festivals at this temple as Sri Lanka celebrate Poson festival in Mihintale.

Several other main temples in Bangkok where festivals are organised on Poya days are: Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) Wat Bowornniwet Viharan, Wat Saket (Golden Mount), Wat Pho, Wat Suthat Thepwararam. Wat Chanasongkhram, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Rakhand and Wat Kanlayanamit. Special New Year festivals are held in these sacred places during the month of April.

(LY)