The Jain community celebrates Mahavir Jayanti, which commemorates the birth anniversary of the religion's founder, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, to witness peace and harmony and to further the teachings of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. It is one of the most blessed festivals for the Jain community. Jainism strongly emphasises ensuring that there is no or very little harm done to living things.
According to Jains, all phases of the Jain cosmology are under the guidance of the Tirthankaras, making Jainism an everlasting (Sanatan) religion (dharma). The slogan of Jainism is Parasparopagraho Jivanam (souls must support one another), and the most popular and fundamental prayer is the amkra mantra.
The Jain community places a lot of importance on the festival of Mahavir Jayanti, which is lavishly observed in India and throughout the world. The celebration honours Lord Mahavira's birth. Lord Mahavira is famous as the 24th Tirthankara in Jain mythology.
Jain community celebrates Mahavir Jayanti
Lord Mahavira was born in Kundalagrama
Purpose of the celebration is to share Lord Mahavira's principles and promote balance and tranquillity
Lord Mahavira was born in Kundalagrama (now Kundalpur), Bihar, a few miles from Patna, on the thirteenth day of the waxing moon during the Chaitra month (according to the Hindu calendar). Vaishali served as the state capital at that time. Furthermore, there is disagreement on Mahavira's birth year. Swetambar Jains believe Mahavira was born in 599 BC, but Digambar Jains believe he was born in 615 BC.
Mahavira's mother supposedly had 14 dreams, which were later analysed by astrologers, who predicted that Mahavira would either grow up to be a king or a monk by the notions of the Shwetambar community (Tirthankara). Mahavira left his kingdom and family when he was 30 in search of the truth.
He was an ascetic who spent 12 years in exile. He taught non-violence and treated everyone with respect during this time. He earned the moniker "Mahavira'' for exhibiting remarkable sensory control. It is widely denied that Mahavira acquired enlightenment at the age of 72. (Nirvana).
The purpose of the celebration is to share Lord Mahavira's principles and promote balance and tranquillity. Lord Mahavira's idol is arranged elegantly on top of a "Rath yatra," a procession. While providing food and clothing to the less fortunate, Jains decorate their temples with flags. Donations are offered to stop animal killings because Jainism adamantly condemns them.
In addition to benevolent deeds, prayers are said in temples dedicated to Lord Mahavira. Some other devotees frequently practise meditation, a technique promoted by Mahavira. Old and well-known Jain temples see a considerable increase in visitors today. Monks and nuns recite the Mahavira and Jaina teachings. Mahavir Jayanti is primarily a Jain festival; you may contact any Jain temple to experience it fully.
King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala were Lord Mahavir's parents, according to the Digambar and Svetambara schools of Jainism. He was born in 599 BCE or 615 BCE on the thirteenth day of the Chaitra month. He was born in an area known as "Ahalya bhumi" that had not been ploughed for hundreds of years.
Lord Mahavir should have given up everything to pursue spiritual awareness when he was 30 years old. Before achieving "Kevala Jnana," or omniscience, he spent 12 years engaging in rigorous meditation and simple living. He is thought to have lived at the same time as Gautam Buddha.
The lord Mahavir taught the principles of ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), asteya (not-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment). His primary pupil, Indrabhuti Gautama, gathered his teachings into the Jain Agamas.
According to the Gregorian calendar, Mahavir Jayanti typically occurs in March or April. Additionally, according to the Jain calendar, it is the 13th "sud" day of the Chaitra month. On this auspicious day, an idol of Lord Mahavir pulled by a chariot is transported in a parade. On the journey, people recite religious rhymes. A ritual oil known as abhisheka ceremonially applies to Lord Mahavir's idols.
Devotees contemplate and travel to temples. Additionally, people hold demonstrations where they spread Lord Mahavir's teachings of ahimsa.
The religious holiday known as Mahavir Jayanti is also recognised as being significant. The Jain community marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira with a large celebration that is happening both in India and throughout the world. On the thirteenth day of the Chaitra month, he was born into a royal household to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Because of this, Mahavir Jayanti is an amazing festival on this day each year.
On this holy Mahavir Jayanti day, many devotees also observe a severe fast. Doing this will give them spiritual strength to overcome all material possessions. On this day, individuals consume fruits and refrain from eating grains, onions, garlic, and other food. Teaching people the importance of ahimsa (non-violence), humanity, and harmony, as taught by Lord Mahavira, is another crucial component of celebrating this day.
From the early hours of this day, you may see massive crowds of worshippers at all the temples and Jain shrines. On this day, several temples even provide free lunches and charity for the needy.
Mahavir Jayanti, a lovely and joyous holiday, offers us a fundamental lesson about humanity and how love, truth, and non-violence can contribute to a happy life. To honour Lord Mahavira's teachings, which teach us about humanity and encourage us to understand the challenges that other living things endure, Mahavir Jayanti is a festival. This celebration reminds us to show compassion and support to those suffering, whether people, animals, or both.
Mahavir Jayanti, a lovely and joyous holiday, offers us a fundamental lesson about humanity and how love, truth, and non-violence can contribute to a happy life. To honour Lord Mahavira's teachings, which teach us about humanity and encourage us to understand the challenges that other living things endure, Mahavir Jayanti is a festival. This celebration reminds us to show compassion and support to those suffering, whether people, animals, or both.
As a result, the Mahavir Jayanti event is extremely important to us. To make this holiday memorable, share these fascinating facts and lessons with your children and friends.