FESTIVALS IN INDIA : MAHAVIR JAYANTI
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated as the birthday of Mahavir on Chaitrya Sud Triyodashi. Mahavir is consider to be the founder or proposer of modern day Jainism. Jainism is one of the oldest religions known today and its origins lie in India. Theologians often classify Jainism as a philosophy, a way of living life, rather than a religion.
Jainism is a non-theistic religion. There is no concept of God or spiritual beings. There’s no one to create, maintain or destroy the universe. The only thing which maintains the universe is, the universe itself. No one is superior to the laws of the universe. Jains believe that there were 24 great teachers, the first one named Rishabh Dev ji and the last of whom was Lord Mahavir who lived during 6th century B.C. Mahavir is regarded as the man who gave Jainism its present-day form. These twenty-four teachers are called Tirthankars– people who had attained all knowledge while living (Moksh) and preached it to the people. The Tirthankars were all humans once, they did some good deeds and were eligible for being a Thirthankar in next incarnation. Jinas are believed to reside in the top level of heaven, above the realm of the gods. Accordingly, liberated souls are revered more than the gods.
Jains believe in reincarnation and seek to attain ultimate liberation – which means escaping the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The ultimate goal is to get rid of one’s karma on their soul so that they may end this cycle. Once this goal is reached their soul has attained all knowledge and it rests in the heavens forever (Nirvana). This is similar to the preachings of Buddhism, but the principle and path to achieve Nirvana are slightly different. It is a matter of lot of speculations between the historians to find, if any connection between Buddha and Mahavira.
The way to get rid of one’s karma is to follow certain rules of doing good somewhat similar to the ten commandments in Christianity or the eight-fold path in Buddhism.
These include the principles of:
- Ahimsa – To protect all life (non-violence)
- Satya – To speak truth
- Asteya – To not steal
- Brahmacharya – To not commit adultery
- Aparigraha – To limit one’s possessions
Jains uphold these principles by practicing vegetarianism, non-violence in thought, deed, and action.
The three guiding principles of Jainism, the ‘three jewels’, are right belief, right knowledge and right conduct.
In present day India, large group of Jains can be found in States of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The two prominent pilgrim centres for Jains are Sikharji located in Jharkhand and Palitana in Gujarat. Both the pilgrim centres are located on hill stations and they take the test of Pilgrims.
Jain culture is divided into 2 sects:
- Shwetambar : Shwet (White) + Ambar (Clothes)
- Digambar: Dig (Sky) +Ambar (Clothes).
Both the sects have their own monks and nuns. Monks of Shwetambar sect wear white clothes with little to no stitches and Digambar monks live completely naked. This is because Digambars believe that one can only lead the life of a true monk by having no worldly possessions and by demonstrating indifference to earthly emotions such as shame. They consider themselves clothed by directions. Nuns of both the sects are white clothed.
Contents
Mahavir Jayanti – A Festival of Reverence and Spiritual Significance
Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most significant religious festivals for Jains, commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara in Jainism. It is celebrated with great devotion, particularly by the Jain community, and it holds immense spiritual importance. The festival marks Lord Mahavir’s teachings, his life of compassion, non-violence, truth, and asceticism.
When is Mahavir Jayanti Celebrated?
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Date: Mahavir Jayanti is observed on the 13th day of the rising moon in the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar, typically falling in March or April each year.
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Significance of the Date: The date commemorates the day when Lord Mahavir was born in Kundagrama (modern-day Bihar), around 599 BCE.
The Life of Lord Mahavir
Lord Mahavir was born as Vardhamana into a royal family. His father, King Siddhartha, and mother, Queen Trishala, were from the Ikshvaku dynasty. Although born into luxury, Mahavir renounced all worldly pleasures at the age of 30 to follow a life of complete renunciation and meditation.
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Spiritual Teachings: Lord Mahavir is known for propounding the five great vows that Jains follow:
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Ahimsa (Non-violence) – Complete harmlessness towards all living beings.
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Satya (Truthfulness) – Speaking the truth in all situations.
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Asteya (Non-stealing) – Not taking anything that is not given.
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Brahmacharya (Celibacy) – Leading a life of self-control and abstinence.
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Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness) – Detachment from material possessions and desires.
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Mahavir’s teachings emphasize non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), peace, and compassion, which have inspired millions worldwide.
How is Mahavir Jayanti Celebrated?
The festival is celebrated with reverence, devotion, and vibrant rituals, especially in regions with large Jain populations. Here are the common ways in which Mahavir Jayanti is observed:
1. Prayers and Religious Gatherings
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Temples and Jain Centres are beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. Devotees visit temples and participate in special prayers (Pujas) and bhajans (devotional songs) dedicated to Lord Mahavir.
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The recitation of sacred texts, such as the “Tattvartha Sutra” and “Agams”, which are the holy scriptures of Jainism, is also a significant part of the celebration.
2. Processions (Rath Yatra)
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One of the most prominent features of Mahavir Jayanti is the procession that takes place in many cities. The procession, often called “Rath Yatra”, involves the idol of Lord Mahavir being carried through the streets in a beautifully decorated chariot.
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Devotees walk behind the chariot, singing devotional songs and chanting mantras in praise of Lord Mahavir, creating a spiritual and festive atmosphere.
3. Charity and Acts of Kindness
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Charity is a major aspect of the Mahavir Jayanti celebrations. Many followers believe that by giving to the less fortunate, they are following Lord Mahavir’s teachings on compassion and non-violence.
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Common acts of charity include donating food, clothes, books, and medical supplies to the underprivileged, feeding animals, and supporting causes that help in environmental conservation.
4. Fasting and Meditation
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Many Jains observe a fast on Mahavir Jayanti, abstaining from food and water, or following a diet of fruits and vegetables, as an act of self-purification and to develop control over desires.
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Meditative practices and spiritual retreats are also organized, where followers contemplate and meditate on Lord Mahavir’s teachings.
5. Jain Rituals and Offerings
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Special Pujas (worship rituals) are performed at Jain temples, where devotees offer flowers, fruits, incense, and lights (diyas) to the idol of Lord Mahavir.
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Jain monks and scholars often deliver discourses on the teachings of Lord Mahavir, providing spiritual guidance and insights.
Cultural and Regional Celebrations
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Mahavir Jayanti is especially significant in Jain-majority states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, but it is celebrated in Jain communities across India and abroad.
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In Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the festival is marked with grand processions, cultural programs, and public talks.
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Many Jain families also celebrate the day by inviting friends and relatives for a meal, often prepared with vegetarian ingredients, adhering to the principles of Ahimsa.
Key Teachings of Lord Mahavir
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Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Above all, Lord Mahavir is revered for his emphasis on ahimsa, or non-violence, which is a cornerstone of Jain philosophy. He advocated for kindness, compassion, and respect for all living beings, stressing that all life is sacred.
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Self-Control and Asceticism: He encouraged followers to lead lives of discipline, self-control, and detachment from material possessions to achieve spiritual liberation (Moksha).
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The Importance of Truth (Satya): Lord Mahavir taught that living by the truth is essential for spiritual growth and harmony in the world.
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Equality of All Beings: Lord Mahavir’s teachings transcend caste, creed, and class, advocating for equality and compassion for all, regardless of social or economic background.
Conclusion
Mahavir Jayanti is not only a celebration of Lord Mahavir’s birth but also a day for Jains to reflect on his teachings of peace, compassion, and non-violence. The festival serves as a reminder to live a life of self-discipline, truth, and non-possessiveness, and encourages followers to contribute positively to society through acts of charity and kindness. It is a day of spiritual renewal, community gathering, and reverence, promoting universal values that resonate far beyond the Jain community.
The essence of Mahavir Jayanti is about reflecting on how each of us can bring about positive change in the world, through our actions, thoughts, and words, while staying true to the principles of Ahimsa, Satya, and Aparigraha.