The Jain community celebrates Mahavir Jayanti to praise the birth of Lord Mahavir, the last Tirthankara of the Jain religion with great willingness and devotion across the world. In this blog post, we will discuss the significance of Mahavir Jayanti and the various activities that Jains practice to celebrate this auspicious day.
The Life and Teachings of Lord Mahavir
Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BCE in the present-day state of Bihar, India. He was born into a royal family and was named Vardhamana. However, he rejected his royal privileges at age of 30 and began a life of asceticism. He spent the next 12 years traveling and meditating, before gaining enlightenment at age of 42.
Lord Mahavir’s teachings highlight non-violence, kindness, and respect for all living beings. He preached that every individual has the potential to achieve enlightenment and that the path to enlightenment lies in self-realization, self-control, and detachment from material controls.
The significance of Mahavir Jayanti
Jains celebrate Mahavir Jayanti to honor the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir. It is considered one of the most important festivals in the Jain calendar. On the 13th day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar, we celebrate the festival that usually falls in March or April.
What Jains do on Mahavir Jayanti?
1. Fasting
Fasting is an essential part of Mahavir Jayanti celebrations in the Jains community. Many Jains observe a day-long fast, which involves abstaining from food and water. Some Jains may also follow a more rigorous fast, which includes abstaining from food and water for 24 hours.
2. Prayers and Religious Ceremonies
Jains visit temples and offer prayers and offerings to Lord Mahavir to honor Mahavir Jayanti. Religious ceremonies like “the recitation of Jain scriptures and hymns” are conducted on that day.
3. Processions
Processions are usually a part of Mahavir Jayanti celebrations in many parts of India. Jains and other devotees dress in traditional attire and carry colorful flags and banners while chanting hymns to praise Lord Mahavir Jayanti.
4. Donations and Charity
Mahavir Jayanti is also a time for Jains to give back to their communities. Many Jains participate in charitable activities, such as donating money, clothes, food, or other items to the needy one.
5. Lectures and Discourses
Jain scholars deliver lectures and discourses on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir. These lectures provide a deeper insight into the philosophy and principles of the Jain religion and memorate Mahavira Jayanti.
Conclusion
At last, Mahavir Jayanti is a festival that celebrates the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, one of the most important spiritual leaders in the Jain religion. The festival is an occasion for Jains to reflect on Lord Mahavir’s teachings and to renew their commitment to the principles of non-violence, compassion, and respect for all living beings. It is a time for Jains to come together as a community and give back to those in need also, Jains observe Mahavir Jayanti with great enthusiasm and devotion, engaging in lots of activities that reflect their commitment to the Jain philosophy.
