The President and Vice President of India have taken the opportunity to wish the public on the significant occasion of ‘Mahavir Jayanti’. Celebrated predominantly among the Jain community, Mahavir Jayanti holds a very auspicious place as it is associated with the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira, the last Tirthankara.
About Mahavir Jayanti
Embedded deeply into the Jain traditions, Mahavir Jayanti honors the birth of Lord Mahavira, who held the precious title of the 24th and last Tirthankara. He succeeded the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha. As per the revered Jain texts, it is said that Lord Mahavira arrived in the world on the 13th day during the bright half of the moon in the month of Chaitra. The Jain community celebrates this festival by remembering their last spiritual teacher, Lord Mahavira, and performing a procession called the Rath Yatra with his idol. Additionally, they conduct a ceremonial bath of the statues of the lord, called abhisheka, along with the recitation of stavans or Jain prayers.
Who was Lord Mahavira?
Vardhamana Mahavir, the renowned spiritual leader, was born in 540 BC in the Vajji kingdom (modern day Vaishali in Bihar) to King Siddhartha of Kundagrama and Queen Trishala, a Lichchhavi princess. Belonging to the Ikshvaku dynasty, several historians believe Lord Mahavira’s birthplace to be a region called Ahalya bhumi which has remained unplowed for centuries by its owners. The term ‘Vardhamana,’ meaning “one who grows,” served as his name. At the age of 30, he forsook the worldly life to achieve ‘kaivalya’ or omniscience when he turned 42. His teachings, which were later known as Jain Agamas, included principles such as ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity) and aparigraha (non-attachment).
| Important Facts | Description |
|---|---|
| Birth Year of Mahavira | 540 BC |
| Name Meaning of Vardhamana | One Who Grows |
| Age at which Mahavira Attained Kaivalya | 42 Years |
| Main Teachings of Mahavira | Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha |
Overview of Jainism
Originating from the term Jina, meaning conqueror, the word Jaina forms the foundation of Jainism, a religion that values ahimsa or non-violence above all else. Predominantly, it bases itself on five mahavratas (the 5 great vows): Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha, and Brahmacharya, which was added by Mahavira. The three jewels or Triratna that form the core of Jain beliefs include Samyak Darshana (right faith), Samyak Gyana (right knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (right conduct). Jainism does not believe in external divine intervention and instead promotes self-help. It respects the varna system and over time, it split into two sects: Shvetambaras led by Sthalabahu and Digambaras under Bhadrabahu. The Jaina philosophy emphasizes non-injury to all living beings and teaches that the cycle of birth and rebirth is influenced by karma. Asceticism and penance are vital to escape the karmic cycle and achieve soul liberation. Santhara or Sallekhana is a unique practice in Jainism wherein one fasts to death.
