Mahavir Jayanti: Date, history and significance

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most auspicious and sacred festivals celebrated by the Jain Community. The festival, marking the birth of the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, Lord Mahavira, is celebrated with pomp among the Jain community around the globe. People carry out rath yatras, visit temples, donate to the poor, and chant hymns to commemorate the auspicious occasion.

Ancient Jain temples across India typically see an extremely high volume of practitioners come to pay their respects and join the celebrations.

Know the date of Mahavir Jayanti:

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated widely among the Jain community around the globe. According to the Gregorian calendar, Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated in March or April. This year, Mahavir Jayanti is set to be celebrated on April 21 (Sunday).

History and Significance of Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. He was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala in the ancient kingdom of Vaishali. There are debates about his birth date among the Swetambar Jains, and Digambar Jains. While the Swetambar Jains believe that Lord Mahavira was born in 599 BC, the Digambar Jains believe that he was born in 615 BC. According to the Hindu calendar, he was born on the 13th day of the Chaitra Month.

As believed by the Swetambar community, Lord Mahavira’s mother, Queen Trishala, had 14 dreams. The astrologers interpreted her dreams. They said Mahavira would either become a great ruler or a sage (Tirthankara). At the age of 30 years, he left his throne and family and lived in exile for 12 years. As he lived in exile, he preached non-violence and equality. It is believed that at the age of 72, he attained enlightenment.

Lord Mahavira dedicated his life to preaching the values of non-violence, and truth. He developed a five-fold path naming it ‘Ahimsa’, ‘Asteya’, ‘Brahmacharya’, ‘Satya’ and ‘Aparigraha’. People belonging to the Jain community follow these vows and spread the message of peace and harmony. His teachings remain relevant even today.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow