Significance of Vap Full moon Poya day

The rainy season began three months ago (esala) , generally we called as ‘Vassana Kalo’ and it comes to an end with the Vap Poya. Katina season starts in the Buddhist Calendar with the month of Vap, which is popularly known as “Cheevara Masaya”.

This symbols the donating of the Katina Cheevara or new robes to Buddhist monks, who observed ‘Vas’-Rainy Retreat beginning from Esala to Vap.

The donating of Katina Cheevara is deliberated a meritorious deed for the Buddhist. Therefore, Vap Poya is very significant and important. The lay devotees, in procession, carry the Katina Cheevaraya to the temple.

“It is believed that those persons who participate in Katina religious activities get so much of merit that they live a happy life in this world as well as once they cross the border.”

It was on a Vap Full Moon Poya day that the Buddha ended His seventh (Vassana) retreat for the rainy season since His Enlightenment which He had spent in the celestial abode of Tavatissa. There He had engaged in preaching Abhidhamma to the devas and deities headed by Matrudeva. 

Buddhist history reveals another important landmark which is connected to Vap Full Moon Poya Day; for it was on such a day that the future Buddha, Maitriya Bodhisatva, entered the order with a retinue of 500 followers.

Furthermore, Vap Poya paved the way for the arrival of Sangamitta Theri. The advent of Buddhism took place with the advent of ‘Dhammarajassa Savaka’ Arahat Mahinda Thera. King Devanampiyatissa’s sister-in-law Anula, was very keen to enter the Order of Bhikkunis. Therefore, the King made a request to Emperor Asoka to send Sanghamitta Theri.

The appointment of Sariputta Maha Thera as the Chief Disciple of the Buddha took place on this important day of Vap Poya.

May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem and the protection of the devas be with you!

Source  

The Island 

Sunday Observer 

Composed By Kasun Gayasri