Nikini Full Moon Poya falls today; it signifies the first Sangha council

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Today (August 14) marks Nikini full moon poya day. Nikini Full Moon Poya Day signifies the holding of the first Sangha Council, led by Maha Kassapa. Nikini Full Moon Poya Day is celebrated around four important events in Buddhist history. Attainment of Arahatship by Buddha’s chief attendant, Ananda Maha Thera, the commencement of the first Dhamma Sangayana, convocation to settle the Buddhist canon and Pasu Vas or the commencement of the Vas period by those who had not started the period of sojourn on the Esala Full Moon Day, are some of them. Buddhist monks commence Vas on Nikini Full Moon Day, in keeping with the enactment called Santhaha Karanaya. The circumstances which led to the enactment of Santhaha Karanaya was the hardships caused to the bhikkhus due to rain. The Sambuddha Pooja at the Shakya Malakaya opposite the head office of The Capital Maharaja Organisation Limited was held today(August 14). The pooja was organized by PE+ of The Capital Maharaja Organisation Limited.