Commemorating Venerable Bhaddakaccana Theri
The recent full moon on March 25th marked the celebration of the parinibbana of Venerable Bhaddakaccana Theri, known as Yaśodharā, the wife of Siddhartha Gautama, during the Buddha-era.
While the parinibbana dates of notable figures like Sariputta and Mahamoggallana are well-documented and commemorated in various Buddhist traditions, Yasodhara’s parinibbana had been lost to mainstream knowledge until recently.
Thanks to the digitization efforts of palm-leaf Pali manuscripts from diverse Buddhist communities in South and Southeast Asia, a new chapter of Buddhist history is emerging.
It was discovered that the full moon Uposatha of March, known as Phagguna Punnami or Falgun Purnima, has long been commemorated in manuscript and recitation traditions as the date of Yasodhara’s parinibbana in mainland Southeast Asia, particularly in Thai, Lao, Khmer, Mon, and Lanna Theravada Buddhist cultures.
These ancient manuscript traditions, predating modern Southeast Asian languages and scripts, have preserved the memory of Yasodhara’s life and her attainment of arahantship.
While she is often remembered as the princess and devoted wife of Siddhartha Gautama, her story extends beyond their marital life to her own spiritual journey and eventual enlightenment.
The rediscovery of Yasodhara’s parinibbana date sheds light on the rich tapestry of Buddhist history and lived traditions, providing insights into the roles and contributions of women in early Buddhism.
As more manuscripts are digitized and made accessible online, our understanding of Buddhist history, including “herstory,” is expected to deepen, offering valuable insights into the diverse narratives and practices within the Buddhist world.
