Ven. Puppharājā is the first Indian ever ordained as a novice (Sāmaṇera) at Shan State Buddhist University, Taunggyi, Shan State, the Union of Myanmar.

In Theravāda Buddhist tradition, a novice ordination ceremony is also well-known as Pabbajja, which marks the beginning of a young boy’s life journey into the monastic life as a Sāmaṇera (novice) observing the ten Sīla (Dasa Sīla).

In Buddhist countries, usually Myanmar, the novice ceremony is considered to be the most significant cultural event, which is organized by the laypeople and senior monks.

The parents gain merit by offering their son to the Lord Buddha, and the more magnificent the ceremony, the more merit they earn. Elaborate ceremonies sometimes last several days and have musical performances, singing, and chanting of poems that recall episodes of Buddha’s life.

In spite of this, due to some traditional and situational factors, the novice ceremony can be held simply and effectively, without consuming a great deal of time and material things, and with more benefits as well.