For Jains, it is a very important and auspicious festival. On this day, the Jain community celebrates peace, harmony, and the teachings of Mahavira, who was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Jainism spreads the message of world peace and harmony, and it abhors all forms of violence toward all living creatures.

Jains hold that their religion is an eternal religion or Sanatan Dharma. They believe that the Jain Tirthankaras, or spiritual teachers guide every cycle of the Jain cosmology. The motto of Jainism is - Parasparopagraho Jīvānām (the function of souls is to help one another).

There were 24 teachers, called Tirthankaras, in Jainism, and the last one was Mahavira.

Mahavira’s Life

Mahavira was born in Kundalagrama, Bihar. His birth occurred on the 13th day of Chaitra (March-April) month or the 13th day of Shukla Paksha or the waxing moon in Chaitra month. His parents were King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. There is a dispute about his birth date among Swetambar Jains, who claim that he was born in 599 BC. But Digambar Jains believe that he was born in 615 BC. Legends say that it was Devananda, the wife of the Brahmin Rishabhdeva, who conceived him. By a miracle, the embryo was transferred to the womb of Trishala. When Trishala was pregnant, she had 16 dreams before giving birth to Mahavira. The interpretation of astrologers of these dreams was that they indicated the coming of a great soul, and their predictions came true. Mahavir was married, but he renounced his kingdom to seek Truth and attain Nirvana. He gave up all worldly pleasures and became an ascetic at the age of 30, like the Buddha, whose spiritual journey also began at this age.

Mahavira spent 12 years in exile, meditating under an Ashoka tree and leading an austere life. He had to endure many hardships during this period. People would throw things at him to disturb his meditation. But he refused to give up. In scorching summer and freezing winter, he continued to meditate. Then he achieved ‘Kevala Jnana’ or supreme knowledge (enlightenment) at the age of 42. After this, he traveled to many places like Mithila, Sravasti, Champa, Vaishali, and Rajgriha and spread his teachings to kings as well as commoners. He was much respected by kings like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru.

He was also called Sage Vardhamana, and he preached about ahimsa or non-violence. It was his remarkable control over his senses that gave him his name. His aim was to find Truth and achieve spiritual freedom. He attained Nirvana (died) at Pavapuri, near Rajgriha, when he was 72 years old.

Many people were awed by the spiritual power and moral greatness of Mahavira's teachings. He made Jainism simple by freeing it from complicated rituals. Many were inspired to follow his path. His message and teachings focused on universal love.

Significance of Mahavir Jayanthi

Mahavira is one of the greatest prophets of peace and social reformation. He did all he could to propagate Jainism, especially the message of salvation and non-violence. His thoughts had a tremendous influence on many of his followers.

He also developed a five-fold path that all householders could follow. This includes Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (not stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), Satya (speaking only the truth), and Aparigraha (non-attachment). Jains make it a point to follow these vows in order to live in peace and harmony. People who are not part of the Jain community, too, follow his teachings.

Mahavira’s chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama compiled his teachings.

Mahavir Jayanthi Celebrations

Mahavir Jayanthi is celebrated with humility and simplicity, making it rather unique. Jain communities in India celebrate it with great fervor and devotion. Flags are used to decorate Jain temples, and offerings are given to the needy. The idol of Mahavira is carried out in a procession on a chariot (Rath Yatra). Devotees recite religious rhymes as the procession makes its way through the streets. Abishekam is performed for Mahavir’s idols. Most Jains perform a charitable act or Poojas and offer prayers on this day. Some also observe a fast or meditate. Donations are also made to save animals from slaughter.

Jain monks and nuns give lectures in temples about following the path of virtue. In many ancient Jain temples across India, there will be a huge turn out of devotees on this day.

On this day, Jains eat sattvic food, which is mostly freshly prepared vegetarian meals that do not have onion or garlic. In a sattvic diet, these are not used, and people cook the food with minimum harm to living creatures.

On this day, devout Jains remember the teachings of Mahavira and promise not to hurt anyone knowingly or unknowingly.

Mahavir Jayanthi will be observed on April 3 (Monday) in 2023. and First solar eclipse 2023