Introduction

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated all over the world as the anniversary of Vardhman Mahavir, the founder of Jain religion and the twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankara. It is observed on the 13th day of the month of Chaitra as per the Hindu calendar. This auspicious day is celebrated with high spirits amongst the Jain community. On this festival grand chariot processions with the images of Mahavira are taken out, rich ceremonies are held in the temples, fasts are observed and charities are given. The devotees make offerings to the deities and the priests and visit various places of pilgrimage.

History/Legend

Prince Vardhaman, the last and the twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankara was remorseful to see lot of pain and agony all around. So he decided to give up everything worldly and follow spirituality. He gave up all the relationships to make one that of mankind. He distributed all his wealth to the poor and left his kingdom to become a monk.

Significance

Commemorating his birthday on this Jayanti, Mahavir was the most revered religious leader opposed the ritualism and false beliefs. He was a great teacher and a philosopher who realized the reason of all the sadness and preached the solution to escape it. He spread the message of following the path of true and kindness towards others. This festival reminds us of his valuable thoughts and teachings on complete non-violence, importance of austerity to achieve salvation and spirituality. The day also discourages the sacrifices of animals made in the honor of God.

Celebrations

The festival has its own unique significance and is celebrated in a peaceful manner. The festival commemorates with silent prayers and worship, recitals of the Lord’s teachings and ceremonial bath of the idol of Mahavira. The Jain leaders spend the day in solitude, while the rest of the Jain population organizes processions, with children depicting stories from the life and times of Lord Mahavira. The Jain temples are decorated with flags and devotees donate a lot to the temples on this day. In the end people meditate and thank God for the sound health.