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Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated by the Jain community commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. It is the most important festival for Jains. Mahavira is the 24th and the last Tirthankara, who preached the essence of life, virtue and non-violence towards all living beings. According to the Swetambaras, he was born in 599 BC but Digambar school of Jainsim believe that Mahavira was born in 615 BC.
Lord Mahavir, also referred to as Indian sage Vardhamana, was born in Kundalagrama, Bihar, as a son to king Siddartha and Queen Trishala. At the age of 30, he renounced his throne and other worldly possessions, and spent twelve years of his life as ascetic. Mahavira gave highest respect to all living beings and preached non-violence. He also set exemplary control over his senses which later earned him the name Mahavira. At the age of 72, he attained nirvana, and devoted the rest of his life to preach spiritual freedom. Thus, to mark the birth of Lord Mahavira and his preaching, his followers celebrate Mahavir Jayanti with great fervour. The birth anniversary is celebrated in late March or early April, according to the Gregorian Calendar.
Mahavir Jayanti is a sacred festival for Jains and followers across the world celebrate it in a grand way by taking out processions that might include chariot, horses, elephants, drummers and chanters. Silent prayers are also offered and his preaching is recapitulated in the form of sermons to the followers on this day. Traditional Mahavir Jayanti recipes are also prepared in order to celebrate the festival.
Jains celebrate Mahavir Jayanti in a colourful way by decorating the Jain temples with flags and offering alms to the poor people. Donations are collected to save animals from slaughter. In India, the birth anniversary of Mahavir is more ardently observed in Gujarat and Rajasthan compared to other parts, as a higher number of Jains reside in these states. In the early morning, followers give a ceremonial bath to the statue of Lord Mahavira called 'abhishek'. The statue is then placed in a beautifully decorated cradle and carried out in a procession.
The day ends at the shrine, temple or communal area where people meditate and pray. Mahavir Jayanti is also observed with festivities on the 8 day holy period of "Paryushana". People also send Mahavir Jayanti messages on this auspicious occasion. Mahavir Jayanti SMS and interesting Mahavir Jayanti greetings cards are also available on the market.
A Tirthankar is the saviour and spiritual teacher of the Jain dharma. This term lays importance on the founder of Tirtha, who achieves enlightenment and helps others achieve the same.
According to the Jain Texts and religious scripts, Lord Mahavira's birth was taken place on the 13th day of the waxing moon on the Chaitra month (Hindu calendar) in Kundalagrama (now Kundalpur) in Bihar, a few kilometers from Patna. That time, Vaishali was the capital of the state. However, the year of Mahavira's birth is disputed. As per Swetambar Jains, Mahavira was born in 599 BC while the Digambar Jains consider 615 BC as his birth year. He was named as Vardhaman by his parents – King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala.
According to the Swetambar community's beliefs, Mahavira's mother had 14 dreams, which were later interpreted by astrologers all of whom said that Mahavira would either go on to become an emperor or a sage (Tirthankara). When Mahavira reached 30, he left his throne and family in search of truth. He lived in exile for 12 years as an ascetic. During this time, he preached non-violence treated everyone with reverence. He got his name "Mahavira" after showing exceptional skills in controlling the senses. It is widely belied that when Mahavira was 72, he attained enlightenment (Nirvana).
The festival is celebrated is to bring peace and harmony by spreading the teachings of Lord Mahavira. A procession is carried out in the form of "Rath yatra" with Lord Mahavira's idol neatly placed on the top. The decoration of Jain temples is being done with flags while the Jains offer food and clothes to the needy. Jainism vehemently opposes animal slaughter and hence donations are made to stop animal killings.
Other than charitable acts, prayers are also offered in temples of Lord Mahavira. Some other devotes often engage in mediation—a practice championed by Mahavira. Old and famous Jain temples witness a huge surge in devotees on this day. Teachings of Mahavira and Jainism are recited by monks and nuns.
Mahavir Jayanti is predominantly a Jain festival and to get the true essence of it, you can visit any of the Jain temples.
Lord Mahavir was born as prince Vardhamana and belonged to the Ikshvaku Dynasty. Even though he was destined to be an emperor, he left his home at the age of 30 in search of truth in the world and gave up all the worldly possessions including clothing. He lived an ordinary and ascetic life, moving from place to place, meditating and fasting. Through his travels, he learnt about the various pains and sufferings endured by humans and ultimately achieved enlightenment.
After attaining enlightenment, he continued his travels, preaching the concept of absolute freedom from the cycle of birth, life, pain, misery, and death – and how anyone can achieve Moksh.
The birthday of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is celebrated as Buddha Purnima across the world since he was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama on the Purnima Tithi (full moon day) in 563 BC in Lumbini (modern day Nepal). In Hinduism, Buddha is considered as the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu hence, this day is commemorated by Buddhists and Hindus all over the world
In Theravada Buddhism, it is also observed as the day when Buddha, born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama (c. 563-483 BCE) attained Nirvana (salvation) under the Mahabodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, Bihar, as well as his death anniversary. Gautama Buddha preached Dharma (duty), non violence, harmony and kindness. He left his worldly possessions and princedom at the age of 30 to lead a life searching for the truth, seeking penance in the hopes of liberating himself from suffering (duhkha).
Mahavir Jayanti is the most important day for Jains around the world. To understand more about its significance, let's delve into his life a little more.
Lord Mahavir is considered one of the greatest prophets of social reform and peace around the world. He followed the footsteps of his predecessor Tirthankar Parshvanatha. He established five rules for humans to follow and those are 'Ahimsa', 'Asteya', 'Brahmacharya', 'Satya,' and 'Aparigraha'. Lord Mahavir based a lot of his teachings on scientific facts of nature and the true meaning of life.
The spiritual and moral greatness of Lord Mahavir's teachings impressed a lot of people not only in India, but all over the world. He founded Jainism – a simple religion, free of the various ritual intricacies and inspired many people to follow his path. His teachings are still supported by not only Jains but also by multiple communities across the globe.
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