Mahavir Jayanti: Significance and Importance | Celebrations | History

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated in the Bengali month of Chaitra during the thirteenth day of the waxing moon. Jains believe that the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir was born on this day, making it an auspicious moment.

Significance and History:

Lord Mahavira was the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. The two sects of Jainism - Swetambar and Digambar still have discords over his date of birth. The former believe it to be 599 BC, while the latter group believed it to be 615 BC. However, it is majorly believed that he was born on the thirteenth day of the waxing moon during the month of Chaitra. Mahavira abandoned all his earthly connections and turned to spiritualism when he was 30. 

He led the life of an ascetic and achieved ‘Kevala Jnana’ or omniscience after 12 years of deep meditation. After attaining enlightenment, he preached the principles of ahimsa (non-violence), asteya (non-stealing), Satya (truth), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non- attachment). These became the doctrines of Jain followers and are followed by devotees to date. Mahavir Jayanti is a celebration of the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira. This day is important to the followers of this religion and people all across India celebrate this day with devotion.

Celebrations:

Mahavir Jayanti is a day of joy and festivity for Jains all across the country. Mahavir’s idol is placed on a chariot and a procession takes place. People of different ages gather to recite religious songs and prayers for the deity. Donations are made to save animals from slaughter. This is done following the principle of non-violence or ahimsa. Followers are also known to perform charity on this auspicious day, observe fasts, and visit Jain temples, to conduct mass prayers and meditation. Everyone gathers together to enjoy freshly made satvik food. These meals are vegetarian and do not contain any onion or garlic. 

Mahavir Jayanti Date and Time:

Even though there are disputes over the information, 2023 is believed to bring the 2621st birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. This year it will be celebrated from 6:24 AM on April 3 to 8:05 AM on April 4.