Mahavir jayanti

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Festivals of India : Mahavir Jayanti Celebration
Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is regarded as the main Jain festival of the year. The festival is celebrated in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. According to the Digambar school of Jainism, Lord Mahavira was born in the year 615 BC, but the Swetambaras believe that He was born in 599 BC. But both the sects believed that Mahavira was the son of Siddhartha and Trisala. According to the legend, Devananda, wife of a Brahmin named Rishabhdeva, conceived him. The gods, ingeniously, transferred the embryo to the womb of Trisala. According to Swetambara sect the expectant mother was believed to have seen 14 auspicious dreams. And according to Digambara sect it was 16 dreams. The Astrologers interpreted these dreams, stated that the child would be either an emperor or a Teerthankar.

The entire Jain community through out the country celebrates Mahavir Jayanti. On this auspicious day, grand chariot processions with the images of Mahavira are taken out, rich ceremonies are held in the temples, fasts and charities are observed, The Jains observes religious events on this day. They visit the sacred sites and worship the Teerthankars on this day. The event hold special significance in Gujarat and Rajasthan due to the ancient shrines at Girnar and Palitana In Kolkata, too this festival is celebrated with great fervor at the Parasnath temple. Even at Pawapuri in Bihar Mahavir Jayanti holds a special significance. Lord mahavir was a great teacher, his philosophies and teachings taught mankind the true path of happiness. His teachings on complete non-violence and importance of austerity showed us the path to achieve salvation and spirituality.


Jai jinendra.