Mahavir Jayanti is a major festival celebrated by Jains in India and around the world to commemorate the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and the last Tirthankara of Jainism.
In 2023, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on Friday, April 14th.
History:
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and the last Tirthankara of Jainism. Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BCE in the city of Vaishali, in present-day Bihar, India.
According to Jain tradition, Lord Mahavir was born into a royal family and lived a luxurious life in his early years. However, at the age of 30, he renounced his worldly possessions and began his spiritual journey in search of truth and enlightenment. He spent the next 12 years meditating and practicing asceticism, and finally attained Kevala Jnana or omniscience at the age of 42.
Lord Mahavir preached the principles of Jainism, including non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-attachment (aparigraha), and non-possession (anekantavada). He traveled throughout India to spread his teachings and gained a large following of disciples.
Lord Mahavir’s teachings have had a profound impact on the Indian subcontinent, and Jainism has become one of the major religions in India. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by Jains around the world to honor the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir.
Mahavir Jayanti significance:
Mahavir Jayanti is a significant festival for Jains as it commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who is considered the founder of Jainism and the last Tirthankara of the religion. The festival holds great significance for Jains and is celebrated with immense fervor and enthusiasm.
Here are some of the significant aspects of Mahavir Jayanti:
- Commemoration of Lord Mahavir’s life and teachings: The festival is an occasion to remember and honor the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir. Jains celebrate the day by offering prayers and performing puja, listening to discourses on Jain philosophy, and engaging in charitable activities.
- Emphasis on non-violence: Lord Mahavir’s teachings emphasize the importance of non-violence (ahimsa) towards all living beings. Mahavir Jayanti serves as a reminder to Jains to practice non-violence in their daily lives and to be compassionate towards all creatures.
- Importance of spiritual purification: Mahavir Jayanti is also an occasion for Jains to focus on their spiritual growth and purification. Jains fast and engage in religious activities to purify their mind, body, and soul.
- Social unity and harmony: The festival serves as a unifying force among Jains and promotes social harmony and unity. Jains come together to celebrate the occasion, exchange greetings, and offer their prayers to Lord Mahavir.
Celebration of the Jain festival:
The celebration of Mahavir Jayanti, the Jain festival commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavir, varies from region to region and depends on local customs and traditions. However, there are some common ways in which Jains celebrate the festival:
- Prayers and Pujas: Jains visit temples and offer prayers and perform puja to Lord Mahavir. Special rituals are performed, and hymns and prayers are recited to honor the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir.
- Fasting: Jains observe fasts on Mahavir Jayanti as a mark of respect to Lord Mahavir. Some Jains observe a complete fast, while others consume only one meal in a day. Some Jains also observe silence or practice austerities on the day.
- Processions: In some parts of India, processions are carried out on Mahavir Jayanti, where idols of Lord Mahavir are taken out in a procession. The procession is accompanied by devotional songs and hymns.
- Donations and Charity: Jains engage in charitable activities and donations on Mahavir Jayanti. They distribute food, clothing, and other essentials to the poor and needy.
- Cultural Programs: Jains organize cultural programs on Mahavir Jayanti, including plays, skits, and dance performances, depicting the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir.
- Community Meals: Jains also organize community meals, where people of all castes and creeds come together to share a meal. This promotes social unity and harmony.
Overall, Mahavir Jayanti is a significant festival for Jains and is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, with an emphasis on prayers, fasting, charity, and cultural programs.