Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival not only of Jainism but of the entire world.
This day gives us an opportunity to remember the life of Lord Mahavir and his teachings. By spreading the message of peace, non-violence and harmony we can all together create a better world.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Mahavir Jayanti
Great festival of Jainism – Mahavir Jayanti
India is a country of festivals. Every religion and community celebrates its own festivals with great pomp. Today we will learn about the great festival of Jainism, Mahavir Jayanti.
Mahavir Jayanti: Flood of happiness
Mahavir Jayanti is an important Jain festival celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Lord Mahavir Swami. People of Jain religion celebrate this day with great reverence and devotion.
importance in jainism
Lord Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara among the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism. He is considered the originator of Jainism. Lord Mahavir preached principles like non-violence, truth, aparigraha and renunciation. On the day of Mahavir Jayanti, people of Jain religion pay homage to Lord Mahavir, remember his teachings and spread the message of non-violence.
When and How is it Celebrated
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated every year on the thirteenth day (Teras) of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. On this day, Jain temples are decorated, the idols of Lord Mahavir are anointed and special prayers are performed. People of Jain religion keep fast, chant, meditate and do charity work. Also, they pledge to follow non-violence.
Important Message
Mahavir Jayanti gives an important message not only for the people of Jainism but for everyone. Principles like non-violence, truth and aparigraha are found in every religion. Mahavir Jayanti teaches us that we all should live together, should not harm anyone and should live a simple life.
Life and Teachings of Lord Mahavir
Lord Mahavir: Pioneer of non-violence
Friends, today we are talking about Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism. His life gives the message of peace, non-violence and truth. So let us know a little more about his life and teachings today.
From Prince to Mahavir
Lord Mahavir was born about 2500 years ago in a small state called Kundgram in Bihar. His name in childhood was Vardhaman. Despite being a prince, he had no interest in glory and luxury. He was of calm and truthful nature since childhood.
The Search for Liberation
At the age of 30, Vardhaman left the kingdom and went to the forest to attain salvation. He performed rigorous penance and gained knowledge from many saints. Ultimately, after 12 years of hard meditation, he attained Kaivalya Gyan (complete knowledge) and became known as Lord Mahavir.
The Path of Non-Violence
Lord Mahavir kept non-violence at the top of his teachings. He believed that no living being should be harmed in any form. He preached the five Mahavratas – Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (renouncing greed) and Brahmacharya (sense control).
Way of Celebration
Apart from Mahavir Jayanti, people of Jain religion perform many types of festivals and rituals throughout the year. Some of the major ones are –
Paryushan: It is a festival of introspection and repentance. During this time, people of Jain religion keep fast, chant, meditate and ask for forgiveness.
Das Lakshan Mahaparva: It is celebrated to commemorate 10 important events in the life of Lord Mahavir.
Temples and Masses
People of Jain religion worship in temples full of peace and beauty. These temples are made of marble and granite and have beautiful statues of Lord Mahavira installed in them. Followers of Jainism regularly visit temples and worship and collectively recite the words of Lord Mahavira.
Special Events
Apart from Mahavir Jayanti, Jain society also organizes many special programs. These programs include peace lessons, poetry conferences, lectures and dramas etc. Through these programs the principles of Jainism are propagated and the young generation is connected to them.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Importance of Mahavir Jayanti in history and culture
Every festival has a history and a rich culture behind it. Similarly, Mahavir Jayanti is also an important festival related to the history and culture of Jainism. Let us know how.
Peeping Through the Pages of Time
Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, was born about 2500 years ago. At that time, practices like caste system and rituals were prevalent in India. Lord Mahavir opposed these evils and gave the message of equality in the society.
Influence on Jain Culture
The teachings of Lord Mahavira greatly influenced Jain religion and culture. His teachings of non-violence and non-possessiveness became the basic foundation of Jainism. The serene atmosphere of Jain temples, simple food and simple life of sages – all these are the reflection of the principles of Lord Mahavir.
Impact on Society
The teachings of Lord Mahavir were not limited to Jainism only. His teachings of non-violence influenced the entire Indian society. Mahatma Gandhi also took help of the principles of Lord Mahavir in his non-violent movement.
The message of non-violence is relevant even today
Even today, the teachings of Lord Mahavir are as relevant as they were centuries ago. The message of non-violence is very important for a world struggling with problems like violence, war and terrorism. Besides, it is very important to adopt the principle of non-attrition for environmental protection.
overall
Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival not only of Jainism but of entire India. This day gives us a chance to remember the life of Lord Mahavir and his teachings. By adopting principles like non-violence, truth and aparigraha, we all can together live a peaceful and meaningful life.
Mahavir Jayanti in 2024
Mahavir Jayanti 2024: Message of peace and non-violence
Friends, this year in 2024, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on 21st April, Sunday. People of Jain religion will celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. So let’s see if something special is going to happen this time on Mahavir Jayanti.
Date and Timing
As mentioned, this year Mahavir Jayanti will fall on 21st April. According to astrologers, Trayodashi Tithi will start from 1:34 am on April 20 and will continue till 2:16 am on April 21.
Global Celebrations
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated not only in India but also by Jain communities around the world. Even in big cities like London, New York, Singapore, people of Jain religion take out processions, organize prayer meetings and organize cultural programs.
Notable Events and Activities
This year many special programs can be organized on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. Some possible programs are:
Peace Chant Competition: Peace Chant Competition can be organized in schools and colleges. This will help in connecting the young generation with the principles of Jainism.
Lecture on Non-Violence: Lectures can be organized on the importance of non-violence by renowned scholars. This will help in spreading the message of non-violence in the society.
Plant Trees, Start a Campaign: Tree plantation campaign can be run for environmental protection. This will be in accordance with Lord Mahavir’s principle of Aparigraha.
Religious Practices
On the day of Mahavir Jayanti, people of Jain religion follow many types of religious traditions.
Fasting and Prayer: People of Jain religion keep fast on the day of Mahavir Jayanti and worship Lord Mahavir.
Meditation and Reflection: On this day, people meditate and introspect and reflect on the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
Acts of Charity and Compassion: People of Jain religion have great faith in giving charity. On the day of Mahavir Jayanti, the poor and needy are helped. Besides, a feeling of compassion is also maintained towards animals.
Mahavir Jayanti Around the World
Wherever there are Jains, they celebrate Mahavir Jayanti with pomp and show.
The festival of Lord Mahavir’s birthday i.e. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with great pomp not only in India but also by Jain communities all over the world. Let us see how this festival is celebrated all over the world and what is its significance in today’s time.
Celebration Around the World
Apart from India, followers of Jainism also live in big cities like London, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong. At all these places, Jain temples are decorated, prayer meetings are organized and processions are taken out. However, everywhere this celebration happens in a slightly different way.
Jains in America: Jain communities in America often organize “Peace Walks”, where people gather to spread the message of peace.
Jainism in Europe: Jainists in Europe organize inter-religious dialogue events, where people of different religions come together to discuss peace and harmony.
Diversity in Celebrations
Even though the basic purpose of celebrating Mahavir Jayanti is the same everywhere, the way of celebrating it is slightly different in every country. At some places colorful cultural programs are organised, while at other places peaceful chanting and meditation is organised. This diversity is the beauty of this festival.
Modern Relevance
Lord Mahavir’s teachings are as relevant today as they were centuries ago. The world is struggling with problems like war, violence and terrorism. In such a situation, it is very important to spread the message of non-violence and live a peaceful life.
Spiritual Significance in Contemporary Times
Today, in the race for material pleasures, man often loses his spiritual balance. Mahavir Jayanti gives us an opportunity for introspection and spiritual awakening. Through meditation and contemplation we can find inner peace.
Relevance of Mahavir’s Teachings Today
Lord Mahavir preached principles like non-violence, truth, aparigraha and anekantvad. These principles still show the right direction to the society. By practicing non-violence we can avoid hurting not only others but also ourselves. By following the truth we can live honestly. By following Aparigraha we can stay away from greed and greed. And by following Anekantvad we can learn to respect the views of others.