Mahavir Jayanti, known as one of the most sacred festivals among the Jain community, marks the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira, the last Tirthankara who succeeded the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha. According to Jain texts, Lord Mahavira was born on the 13th day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Chaitra, which aligns with the month of March or April in the Gregorian calendar. The celebration of this day entails a procession called the Rath Yatra, featuring the idol of Lord Mahavira, and recitation of stavans or Jain prayers. Additionally, statues of the Lord are given a ceremonial bath, known as abhisheka.
Life and Teachings of Lord Mahavira
Born in the year 540 BC in Bihar’s modern-day Vaishali, then known as Vajji kingdom, Lord Mahavira was the son of King Siddhartha of Kundagrama and Queen Trishala, a Lichchhavi princess. Born into the Ikshvaku dynasty, he was named Vardhamana – meaning “one who grows”. It is believed that he was born in a place known as Ahalya bhumi, a land which has been preserved unplowed for hundreds of years.
At the age of 30, Lord Mahavira renounced all worldly possessions and embarked on a spiritual journey, attaining ‘kaivalya’ or omniscience at 42. He preached doctrines of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment). His teachings, known as Jain Agamas, were presented in Prakrit to ensure understanding by ordinary people. In 468 BC, believed to have achieved moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death), he passed away at Pavapuri near modern Rajgir in Bihar.
Understanding Jainism
The term ‘Jaina’ originates from ‘Jina’, implying ‘conqueror’. Jainism attributes supreme importance to ahimsa, or non-violence, and preaches five mahavratas: ahimsa, satya, asteya, aparigraha, and brahmacharya. The vow of brahmacharya was incorporated by Mahavira himself. The three fundamental principles, or triratna, of Jainism are samyak darshana (right faith), samyak gyana (right knowledge), and samyak charitra (right conduct).
Jainism promotes self-help, suggesting no divine intervention in human affairs. The religion accepts the varna system but does not condemn it. Over time, Jainism bifurcated into two sects: Shvetambaras, led by Sthalabahu, and Digambaras, led by Bhadrabahu. It posits that all elements of nature, including stones, water, and rocks, are animated. Non-injury to living beings forms the core of Jaina philosophy.
According to Jainism, the cycle of birth and rebirth is influenced by karma. Asceticism and penance can liberate one from this cycle, leading to the liberation of the soul. The practice of Santhara, known as Sallekhana among Digambars, which is fasting until death, is also considered a part of Jainism.
Previous Year Questions in UPSC Civil Services Exam
In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, questions concerning Jainism have frequently featured. For instance, in 2018, the question “With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to” was asked, with the correct answer being Jainism.
In 2017, questions touching on the religious history of India were presented, including “Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.” Only the latter statement was correct.
Moreover, in 2012 and 2009, queries on commonalities between Buddhism and Jainism and the philosophy of Anekantavada were raised, respectively. The correct answers were ‘2 and 3 only’ and ‘Jainism’.
