May you have a blessed Full Moon Poya Day...!

ill Full Moon Poya Day

Importance of Il Full Moon Poya Day

Importance of Il Full Moon Poya Day

Il Full Moon Poya Day (or Ill Poya) is one of the most significant Poya days in the Theravada Buddhist calendar, particularly observed in Sri Lanka.

It usually falls in November and marks the end of the three-month rainy season retreat, known as "Vassana-Samaya" (or Vas).

Several important events in Buddhist history and tradition are commemorated on this day.

Commissioning of the First Missionaries (Dhamma-Dūta): The Buddha, having attained enlightenment and gathered the first 60 Arahants (fully enlightened disciples), instructed them to "wander forth for the welfare and happiness of the many" (Bahujanahityaya, Bahujanasukkaya), marking the formal start of Buddhist propagation.

The Prediction of Maitreya Bodhisattva (Niyatha Vivarana): On this day, Gautama Buddha is said to have given a definitive assurance (Vivarana) that the celestial being Maitreya (Metteyya) would become the next fully enlightened Buddha in the distant future.

The Passing Away of Arahant Sāriputta: It commemorates the Parinibbāna (passing away into final Nirvana) of the Chief Disciple, Arahant Sāriputta Thera, who was renowned for his wisdom. He passed away at his birthplace after successfully converting his mother to Buddhism.

End of the Katina Ceremony: The offering of the Katina Cheevara (special robes) to the monks who observed the three-month rainy retreat formally ends on Il Poya. This Katina offering is considered one of the highest meritorious acts a layperson can perform.

Foundation of Thuparamaya: Tradition holds that the foundation stone for the Thuparamaya Stupa in Anuradhapura, the first stupa built in Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism, was laid on this Poya Day.

For practicing Buddhists, the day is one for intensified religious observance, visiting temples, observing Sīla (precepts), meditating, and listening to sermons.