The Jain community all over the world gathers together to celebrate a significant holiday known as Mahavir Jayanti. In Jainism, today is the anniversary of the birth of Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and final Tirthankara, also known as spiritual teacher.
The Jain calendar designates the thirteenth day of the Chaitra month (which can fall in either March or April) as the celebration of Mahavir Jayanti, which is regarded as one of the most significant and significant days for Jains. In this article, we will delve into the history of Mahavir Jayanti, discuss its significance, and discuss the celebrations associated with it.
History Of Mahavir Jayanti
In the year 599 BCE, on the thirteenth day of the Chaitra month, Lord Mahavira was born in the city of Vaishali, which is located in what is now the state of Bihar in India. King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala were his parents when he was born.
At the age of thirty, Mahavira gave up all of his worldly possessions and took up the life of an ascetic in order to seek enlightenment on a spiritual level. At the age of forty-two, he attained Kevala Jnana, also known as omniscience, after engaging in strenuous penance and meditation for a period of twelve years.
The teachings of Jainism, including its emphasis on nonviolence, truthfulness, self-control, and compassion, are said to have originated with Lord Mahavira. He was a proponent of the philosophy of ahimsa, which translates to “non-violence,” and he taught that every living thing possesses a soul and ought to be treated with reverence and compassion.
The teachings and philosophy of Mahavira had a significant influence on the society of his time, and they continue to motivate millions of people all over the world even to this day.
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Significance Of Mahavir Jayanti
Because it celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, who is revered as the final Tirthankara and the founder of Jainism, Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival for the Jain community. Lord Mahavira is credited with establishing Jainism. Jains will offer prayers to Lord Mahavira and ask for his blessings on this particular day.
The festival is observed with a great deal of zeal and devotion, as well as the performance of a variety of rituals and practices.
The procession of Lord Mahavira’s idol is considered to be one of the most significant rituals that take place on Mahavir Jayanti. During the ritual, the idol is brought out in a large procession, and worshipers sing hymns while presenting it with flowers and sweets. On this day, Jains also observe fasting and participate in acts of charitable service.
They help the needy and the poor by donating money, food, and clothing to those in need. In addition, the Jain Agamas, which is considered to be the most sacred text in the Jain religion, as well as the teachings of Lord Mahavira, are recited on this day.
Celebrations Of Mahavir Jayanti
The Jain community puts a lot of energy and excitement into commemorating Mahavir Jayanti every year. The ritualistic cleansing of the statue of Lord Mahavira with milk, honey, and water is the first thing that happens each day.
After the idol has been washed, it is dressed in new garments and accessorized with new jewelry. Jains go to temples to worship Lord Mahavira and offer prayers to him. In addition to this, they take part in the procession of the idol and offer flowers and sweets to it along the way.
Jains also observe a daylong fast on this day, during which they abstain from eating any food at all. Some Jains participate in a fast that lasts for three days and begins two days before the Mahavir Jayanti festival.
The fast is broken on the actual day of the celebration. As a means of atonement and self-improvement, people often choose to observe the fast.
In addition, charitable deeds are performed by Jains on this day. They help the needy and the poor by donating money, food, and clothing to those in need. It is believed that giving to those less fortunate is a means of gaining the blessings of Lord Mahavira and of adhering to the principles of compassion and nonviolence that he taught.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Messages And Wishes
- On this joyous day of Mahavir Jayanti, I send you and your loved ones my warmest greetings. Peace and joy be with you, and may the strength of your love only increase.
- I pray that Lord Mahavir brings you unending bliss and happiness. I pray that you are protected from all harm and bad vibes. I pray that you are blessed with countless chances to live in peace. Please accept my warmest greetings on this joyous occasion.
- On this Mahavir Jayanti, I send you my best wishes. On this most auspicious of occasions, I pray solely that you be endowed with an inexhaustible store of knowledge, the mental fortitude to assimilate it, and the moral fortitude to apply it wisely. I hope that everything you do in life turns out well.
- Today is the day to put aside your own concerns and focus on fostering a harmonious community for all those around you. On Mahavir Jayanti, let us resolve to treat others with more kindness, compassion, and optimism. Wishing you a joyful Mahavir Jayanti!
- The key to the big lock is a small one. Similarly, while expressing serious ideas, it’s best to use uncomplicated language. I hope you’ll embrace a minimalist lifestyle and Mahavir ji’s teachings. Happy Mahavir Jayanti to you!