MEDIN POYA DAY

Medin Full Moon Day marks the Buddha’s first visit to his father’s palace following his enlightenment.

The Buddha had not returned to his home since leaving it on his pursuit of Nirvana. Repeated messengers were sent by the king but the Buddha knew the time was not right. Each messenger sent joined the Buddha and took to robes. The last messenger was the minister Kaludai, who, after having himself taken the robes, urged the Buddha to revisit Kimbulwathpura, reminding him of the beauty of that kingdom during this season. Accompanied by 20,000 disciples, the Buddha made the journey of about 900 miles from Veluwanaramaya, Rajagriha, to meet his relatives, and friends.

Returning after many years, the Buddha was able to preach the Dhamma to his father, King Suddodhana, who listened to this message and attained Sothapanna a few days before he passed away. Mahapajapathi Gothami, Siddhartha Gauthama’s mother’s younger sister and his foster mother too wished to join the order of the Sangha on hearing the lectures delivered by Him. As a female, she was prevented from doing so as there were no ordained female bhikkhus at the time. She, however, followed the Buddha back to where he resided and was finally allowed into the order, and ordained as the first Bhikkhuni along with hundreds of other female devotees. Even though Princess Yasodhara had suffered tremendous grief for seven years at the departure of Siddhartha Gautama, she became a follower of the Dhamma teachings on hearing his lectures.

The Buddha then preached the Vessanthara Jathakaya to the crowds, explaining his previous life as King Vessantara.

It was on a Madin poya day that Prince Rahula, Prince Siddhartha’s only son, entered the Buddha Sasana.  Subsequently, Rahula attained Arahantship and remained one of the Buddha’s followers.