Mahavir Jayanti has special significance among the people of Jain community. They celebrate this day as the birth anniversary of the great Tirthankara of Jainism. He was born on the 13th day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of a great Tirthankara of Jainism. He is known as a teacher who preaches Dharma in Jainism.
Significance of Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti holds great significance among Jains. They celebrate this day with great enthusiasm. The day is dedicated to the Jain saint Lord Mahavira, who is one of the most famous saints.
It is known that when Mahavira’s mother was pregnant, she had some auspicious dreams. Svetambara Jains believe that she saw 16 dreams, while Digambara Jains believe that she saw 14 dreams when she was pregnant.
Lord Mahavira is regarded as one of the holiest and most accomplished missionaries of peace and harmony. Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. Many stories about Saint Mahavir are told to the youth in memory of the great saint.
Mahavir Jayanti story
Lord Mahavira was the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. He was born in Kundalgram, Bihar on the 13th day of the Hindu calendar month Chaitra in 599 BC according to Svetambaras, while Digambara Jains believe that he was born in 615 BC. He was given the name Vardhaman in his childhood. He was born in a royal family and was surrounded by all the luxuries and comforts, but still he was not involved in this materialistic world.
These worldly pleasures never attracted him. When he grew up, he began to see the meaning of his existence and as a result he left the kingdom, his family and worldly duties at the age of 30 and went to the forest in search of inner peace and tranquility. He did severe penance for 12 years to attain salvation.
Mahavir Jayanti sermon
Lord Mahavir taught many things in which these few things are main and most of the people of Jain community follow.
Ahimsa – not harming anyone
Truthfulness – Always follow the path of truth and never lie
Chastity – not indulging in any kind of pleasure
Non-attachment – not being attached to anyone or anything materialistic
No stealing – don’t take anything if it’s not given to you
Mahavir Jayanti Rituals
- Wake up early in the morning and take holy bath
- They install the idol of Lord Mahavira, offer flowers and perform Abhishek
- Devotees offer sweets and fruits. The idol is taken on a chariot.
- On this special day they feed food and distribute clothes to the poor and needy people.
- People keep a strict fast on this auspicious day.
- Lectures are held in the temples about the path of virtue as described in Jainism. Many famous Jain temples see the presence of hundreds and thousands of followers.
- People should consume sattvic food, which includes freshly cooked vegetarian food made without onion or garlic.