Mahavir Jayanti: Celebrating the Birth of the Great Sage
Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most significant festivals of Jainism, celebrated every year on the thirteenth day of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar. This auspicious day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the twenty-fourth and the last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism. It is a day of great importance for Jains all over the world, who celebrate the occasion with immense enthusiasm and devotion. In this article, we will delve into the history of Mahavir Jayanti and explore the significance of this festival.
History of Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, who was born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama, a small town in present-day Bihar, India. He was born into the royal family of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. According to legend, when Queen Trishala was pregnant, she had fourteen auspicious dreams, which were interpreted by a group of wise men as a sign that she would give birth to a great soul. The dreams were said to signify that the child would become a Tirthankara, a spiritual leader who would show the path of liberation to the suffering souls.
As predicted, Lord Mahavir grew up to be a spiritual leader and philosopher who preached the principles of ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (pluralism), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness). He renounced his luxurious life and embarked on a spiritual quest, meditating and practicing austerities for twelve years before achieving enlightenment. He then spent the rest of his life preaching his teachings and guiding people on the path of liberation.
Mahavir Jayanti Celebrations
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Jains all over the world. The celebrations begin with a ritual called Abhisheka, where the idol of Lord Mahavir is bathed with milk, saffron, and other holy substances. This is followed by a procession of the idol, which is carried out in a palanquin, accompanied by chanting of hymns and prayers. The procession ends at a temple or a community center, where devotees offer prayers and perform puja (worship).
The day is also marked by a special meal called the Mahavir Swami Bhojan, which is prepared without onions, garlic, and other root vegetables, as Jains practice strict vegetarianism. The meal is shared among the community members, symbolizing the principle of sharing and communal harmony.
Another important aspect of Mahavir Jayanti celebrations is charity and compassion towards all living beings. Jains believe in the principle of ahimsa, which means non-violence towards all living beings. On this day, Jains perform acts of kindness and compassion towards animals and humans, such as donating food, clothes, and money to the needy.
Significance of Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti holds immense significance for Jains as it marks the birth of their most revered spiritual leader, Lord Mahavir. His teachings have had a profound impact on Jainism, shaping its philosophy and guiding its followers on the path of liberation.
Mahavir Jayanti also symbolizes the principles of non-violence, pluralism, and non-possessiveness, which are the fundamental tenets of Jainism. Jains believe that by practicing these principles, one can attain inner peace and spiritual enlightenment.
The festival also promotes communal harmony and unity, as Jains from different parts of the world come together to celebrate the occasion. It is a day of joy and festivity, where people forget their differences and embrace the spirit of brotherhood and love.
Mahavir Jayanti also serves as a reminder to people to follow the path of righteousness and compassion towards all living beings. It inspires people to lead a life of simplicity, humility, and selflessness, and to contribute towards the betterment of society and the world at large.
Mahavir Jayanti is a day of great significance and importance for Jains all over the world. It marks the birth of their most revered spiritual leader, Lord Mahavir, and celebrates the principles of non-violence, pluralism, and non-possessiveness. The festival promotes communal harmony, unity, and brotherhood and inspires people to lead a life of righteousness and compassion towards all living beings. On this auspicious day, let us remember the teachings of Lord Mahavir and strive towards attaining inner peace and spiritual enlightenment.
