Mahavir Jayanti holds immense significance among the Jain community as it marks the birth anniversary of the great Tirthankara of Jainism, who was born on the 13th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. This year, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on April 4, 2023.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Significance
Jain people celebrate Mahavir Jayanti with great enthusiasm and dedication as this day is dedicated to Lord Mahavir, who is regarded as one of the holiest and most accomplished missionaries of peace and harmony among Jain saints. Lord Mahavir, the 24th and final Tirthankara of the Jain religion, is remembered through various stories shared with younger generations.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Story
Lord Mahavir was born to King Sidhartha and Queen Trisala in Kundalagrama, Bihar, on the 13th day of the Hindu calendar month Chaitra in 599 BC as per Swetambars, while Digambar Jains believe he was born in 615 BC.
Despite being born into a royal family with luxuries and comforts, Lord Mahavir never succumbed to materialistic pleasures. He left his kingdom, family, and worldly duties at the age of 30 to search for inner peace and tranquillity. He underwent strict penance for 12 years to attain salvation.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Teachings
Lord Mahavir imparted numerous teachings, with non-violence, truthfulness, chastity, non-attachment, and no stealing being the main ones followed by the Jain community.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Rituals
The day of Mahavir Jayanti is marked by various rituals such as taking a holy bath early in the morning, placing an idol of Lord Mahavira and offering flowers and performing abhishekam. Devotees also offer sweets and fruits and feed the poor and needy, distributing clothes. People also observe a strict fast on this auspicious day.
