MAHAVIR Jayanti is celebrated annually across the country with great devotion and excitement. It is an important religious festival among the Jain community. This special occasion celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. It is considered the biggest festival of the people of Jainism.
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated on the 13th day of the waxing moon period in the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar on the birth of the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism, Lord Mahavir. Also known as Vardhaman, Lord Mahavir established the basic rules of Jainism.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Date And Time
This year, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on April 04. According to Drik Panchang, the day will start from 6:24 AM on April 3, 2023, which will end at 8:05 AM on April 4, 2023.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023: History
Mahavir Jayanti is known as one of the most important religious festivals of the Jain community across the world. Jainism focuses on world peace and harmony such that no or minimal harm is brought to living creatures. It was on the 13th day in the month of Chaitra or the 13th day of the waxing moon in the Chaitra month of Hindu calendar, that Mahavir was born in Kundalagrama in Bihar. He was born as the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. His birth date, however, is sometimes debatable among the Swetambar Jains, according to whom he was born in 599 BC, while the Digambar Jains believe he took birth in 615 BC.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Significance
Lord Mahavir spent 12 years of his life in exile as an ascetic, away from all the worldly pleasures. He preached ahimsa, satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity) and aparigraha (non-attachment). Mahavir’s teachings were put together by his main disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama. Seeking truth and spiritual freedom, he attained enlightenment (Nirvana) at the age of 72.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Celebrations
The celebrations of Mahavir Jayanti include processions of Lord Mahavir taken out by devotees across the country, jain temples are decorated with flowers and flags. Donations are also made in order to contribute towards saving animals from slaughter.