Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Mahavira, a contemporary of the Buddha and the twenty-fourth and final Tirthankara (great sages). Lord Mahavir is said to have been the founder of Jainism.
Mahavir Jayanti is commemorated thirteen days after the waxing (rising) half of the Hindu month of Caitra, which typically occurs in late March or early April according to the Gregorian calendar. It is the most important religious holiday in Jainism. This year’s date is April 4. Celebrate with us right here on National Today!
Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Mahavira, a contemporary of the Buddha and the twenty-fourth and final Tirthankara (great sages). Lord Mahavir is said to have been the founder of Jainism. In the year 599 B.C., in the month of Chaitra, he was born. in Kshatriyakund, Bihar. He was the 24th and final incarnation of the Tirthankar. (teaching god who preaches dharma).
Mahavir was given the appellation Vardhaman by his parents, King Siddartha and Queen Trisala. He was a member of a royal family by birth, but he despised royalty and the elevated life. He constantly sought inner peace and spirituality.
In his youth, Vardhaman took a keen interest in the core beliefs of Jainism and began to meditate. At the age of 30, he abandoned the throne and his family to seek spiritual truth. Before attaining ‘Kevala Jnana’ or omniscience, he lived as an ascetic for more than 12 years, engaging in severe penance and exercising tremendous self-control.
The idol of Lord Mahavir is set on a chariot and displayed in a procession known as “Rath Yatra,” during which religious songs (stavans) are sung. During the ‘abhisheka’ ceremony, statues of Mahavir are anointed. To commemorate this holiday, the Jain community engages in prayers and charitable acts.
Nuns and priests host lectures to promote the Jainism-defined path of virtue. As part of the festivity, donations are made to charitable organisations. In India, ancient temples typically attract a large number of visitors who come to offer their respects and enjoy the day’s ceremonies.
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When Queen Trishala and King Siddharth were anticipating their first child, she dreamt that he would be a “Tirthankara” in Jainism.
According to Jain sources, the king himself celebrated Mahavira’s birth in ‘Ahalya Bhumi’, where he was born.
At the age of 28, Mahavira’s parents passed away, and he began a life of austerity in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, having become disillusioned with his royal existence.
After 12 years of meditation, Mahavira began his spiritual contemplation and acquired infinite knowledge (Kevala Jnana).
On Krishna’s birthday, he passed away in Pawapuri, Magadha. (Bihar).
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 14 | Thursday |
| 2023 | April 4 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | April 21 | Sunday |
| 2025 | April 20 | Sunday |
| 2026 | March 31 | Tuesday |
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