Today (07) marks Binara Full Moon Poya Day, a significant day in the Buddhist calendar associated with several historic events in the history of the Sasana, including the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Order.
According to Buddhist chronicles, it was on a day such as this that Queen Mahapajapati Gotami, together with 500 women, was ordained, becoming the first group of women to enter the Order of Bhikkhunis.
It is also recorded that, upon the request made by Venerable Ananda Thera, the Buddha granted permission for the ordination of women under the acceptance of the Eight Cardinal Precepts (Ashta Garudhamma). Queen Mahapajapati Gotami pledged to safeguard these precepts on this very Poya day.
Additionally, history notes that merchants Tapassu and Bhalluka enshrined the sacred hair relics of the Buddha at the Girihandu Seya, while the sacred forehead relic was enshrined in the Seruwawila Maha Seya, events which are also linked to Binara Poya.
This day is further observed as the mid-Vassa Poya during the annual Rainy Retreat (Vassana Season).
In commemoration of Binara Full Moon Poya, religious observances including amisa and pratipatti poojas are being held today across temples and monasteries throughout the island.
