Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival celebrated by Jains around the world. It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who is considered to be the last and the greatest Tirthankara of the Jain religion. Mahavir Jayanti falls on the thirteenth day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which usually falls in the month of March or April.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Jains across the world. People visit Jain temples, offer prayers, and participate in various religious and cultural events. The festival is an opportunity for Jains to reflect on the teachings and principles of Lord Mahavir and renew their commitment to his path.
Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BCE in the kingdom of Vaishali, which is now part of modern-day Bihar, India. He was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. According to Jain texts, his birth was marked by auspicious signs, including the appearance of a heavenly chariot and the ringing of bells in the heavens. Lord Mahavir was named Vardhaman by his parents, which means "ever-increasing" in Sanskrit.
Lord Mahavir lived a life of great simplicity, austerity, and compassion. He renounced worldly pleasures at the age of thirty and became a wandering ascetic, seeking spiritual enlightenment. He spent twelve years in deep meditation and introspection, practicing self-discipline and cultivating a sense of detachment from the world.
Lord Mahavir's teachings emphasized the importance of non-violence, truthfulness, compassion, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation. He taught that all living beings, including animals, have a soul and deserve respect and compassion. He also taught that the path to spiritual liberation is through the practice of self-discipline, meditation, and the cultivation of a sense of detachment from worldly desires and attachments.
On Mahavir Jayanti, Jains celebrate Lord Mahavir's life and teachings by participating in various religious and cultural activities. People visit Jain temples, offer prayers, and listen to sermons by Jain scholars. They also participate in processions and cultural events that showcase Jain traditions and values.
One of the most important rituals of Mahavir Jayanti is the Abhishek ceremony. In this ceremony, a statue or image of Lord Mahavir is bathed in milk, honey, and water, and adorned with new clothes and jewelry. The ceremony is a symbol of devotion and gratitude to Lord Mahavir and a reminder of his teachings.
Another important ritual is the distribution of food and other items to the needy. Jains believe that the path to spiritual liberation involves not only personal spiritual practices but also acts of compassion and service to others. Therefore, many Jains use Mahavir Jayanti as an opportunity to engage in charitable activities and help those in need.
In addition to these rituals, Jains also celebrate Mahavir Jayanti by organizing cultural events, including music and dance performances, plays, and exhibitions. These events showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Jain community and provide an opportunity for Jains to come together and celebrate their faith.
In conclusion, Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival celebrated by Jains around the world. It is a time to reflect on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir and renew our commitment to his path. The festival is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Jain community and provides an opportunity for Jains to come together and celebrate their faith.