On April 25th, 2021, the Prime Minister of India marked Mahavir Jayanti by acknowledging and extending his warm wishes to the people. This day is regarded as an honourable and highly respected day within the Jain community as it represents the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th and final Tirthankara who came after the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha. The Jain texts state that Lord Mahavira was born on the 13th day during the bright fortnight of the Chaitra month. According to the Gregorian calendar, this momentous occasion is typically observed in the month of March or April.
For celebration purposes, a procession takes place involving the idol of Lord Mahavira, known as the Rath Yatra. Additionally, Jain prayers or stavans are recited, and abhisheka, a ceremonial bath, is given to the statues of the lord.
The Life of Lord Mahavira
Born in 540 BC in the Vajji kingdom, equivalent to present-day Vaishali in Bihar, Mahavira was the son of King Siddhartha of Kundagrama and Queen Trishala, a Lichchhavi princess. He hailed from the Ikshvaku dynasty. Being named Vardhamana, which translates to “one who grows,” Lord Mahavir chose to leave his worldly life at the age of 30. At the age of 42, he received ‘kaivalya,’ or omniscience.
Mahavira’s teachings, known as Jain Agamas, surrounded the principles of ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment). His teachings were easily understood by average people because he used Prakrit. Mahavira departed from his earthly life at the age of 72 in 468 BC, achieving moksha (liberation from the birth-death cycle) at Pavapuri near modern Rajgir in Bihar.
Jainism: The Conqueror’s Path
The term Jaina is derived from the word Jina, meaning “conqueror”. This philosophy attaches extreme importance to ahimsa, or non-violence. It also promotes five key mahavratas (great vows): Ahimsa (Non-violence), Satya (Truth), Asteya or Acharya (Non-stealing), Aparigraha (Non-attachment/Non-possession), and Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity). Out of these five dictates, Mahavira included the Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity).
The ‘Three Jewels’ or ‘Triratna’ of Jainism includes Samyak Darshana (right faith), Samyak Gyana (right knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (right conduct). Jainism advocates self-help and states that there exists no spirit or gods who can aid human beings. However, it does not condemn the varna system.
Jainism divides into two sects: the Shvetambaras (white-clad) led by Sthalabahu, and the Digambaras (sky-clad) under Bhadrabahu’s leadership. The core principle of Jainism asserts life in everything — such as stones, rocks, and water — and thus emphasizes non-injury towards all living beings.
Karma and Asceticism in Jainism
According to Jain teachings, karma forms the cycle of birth and rebirth. To liberate oneself from this cycle and attain soul liberation, one must practice asceticism and penance. These practices constitute a significant part of Jainism, manifested in the ritual of Santhara or Sallekhana, which involves fasting until death.
