Mahavir Jayanti is a significant festival within the Jain community, celebrating the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara who succeeded Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara. This momentous day falls on the 13th day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Chaitra as per Jain texts, which translates to either March or April in the Gregorian calendar. In 2020, the festival was observed on April 6th. The festivities include a procession known as the Rath Yatra with the idol of Lord Mahavira, the recital of stavans or Jain prayers and a ceremonial bathing of the statues of the lord called abhisheka.
Birth and Life of Lord Mahavira
Vardhamana Mahavira was born in 540 BC in the kingdom of Vajji, which is synonymous with current-day Vaishali in Bihar. His parents were King Siddhartha of Kundagrama and Queen Trishala, a Lichchhavi princess. Lord Mahavira, also known by the name “Vardhamana,” which signifies “one who grows,” was part of the Ikshvaku dynasty. He left behind worldly pleasures at the age of 30 and achieved ‘kaivalya’ or omniscience when he turned 42. His teachings focus on principles such as ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment). These teachings are collectively referred to as the Jain Agamas.
Legacy of Lord Mahavira
Mahavira passed away at the age of 72 in 468 BC in Pavapuri, Bihar, marking his attainment of moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The language used by Mahavira and his disciples to spread his teachings was Prakrit, a language easily understood by ordinary folks.
Principle Teachings of Jainism
Jainism is a religion derived from the term Jina, which denotes a conqueror. It holds ahimsa or non-violence in high regard and preaches the 5 mahavratas: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha, and Brahmacharya. Among these teachings, Brahmacharya was an addition from Mahavira. The three jewels or Triratna of Jainism include Samyak Darshana (right faith), Samyak Gyana (right knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (right conduct). These teachings explain that every living being, including stones, rocks, and water, has life. The central idea of Jainism is non-injury to all living forms, and it believes that the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped by karma.
Practices in Jainism
Jainism emphasizes self-help and does not rely on deities or spiritual beings for help. It doesn’t condemn the varna system. Later, Jainism was divided into two sects: Shvetambaras (white-clad) led by Sthalabahu and Digambaras (sky-clad) led by Bhadrabahu. Asceticism, penance, and practices like ‘Santhara’ (fasting unto death) are followed in order to break free from the cycle of karma and achieve liberation of the soul.