The Jain community observes Mahavir Jayanti commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavir, Jainism’s 24th and last spiritual leader. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated this year on April 4, as opposed to the previous year, when it was observed on April 14. The 13th day of the Hindu calendar’s Chaitra month also corresponds to Mahavir Jayanti.
The Jains commemorate Mahavir Jayanti, a religious holiday, magnificently by organizing processions that may include chariots, horses, elephants, drummers, and chanters. On this day, silent prayers are also offered, and sermons to the followers summaries his teachings. For the holiday of Mahavir Jayanti, traditional foods are also cooked. Additionally, according to the Jain calendar, it is the 13th “sud” day of the Chaitra month.
On this auspicious day, an idol of Lord Mahavir pulled by a chariot is transported in a parade. On the journey, religious rhymes are performed. A ritual oil known as abhisheka is also ceremonially applied to Lord Mahavir statues. Jains observe vrat, or fasts, and perform charity deeds to mark the occasion. Devotees contemplate and travel to temples. Additionally, they hold demonstrations where they spread Lord Mahavir’s teachings of ahimsa.
What were the Themes of Mahavir Jayanti?
Mahavira’s idol is paraded at Mahavir Jayanti, one of the most well-liked events. Jain monks take part in this practice by pulling a statue of Mahavira through the streets on a chariot. Communities assemble during this march to chant special bhajans rhyming prayers praising Mahavira.
Mahavira sculptures are frequently cleaned with water and scented oils. This represents Mahavira’s purity. Cleaning the lovely religious statues so they may be used for year-round regular worship provides another practical use. People go from all over the world to India to visit Jain temples on Mahavir Jayanti. Along with touring functioning temples, visitors visit historical locations that date back to the time of Mahavira and Jainism.
History of Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir was born in Kundalagrama, Bihar, on the thirteenth day of the Chaitra month or the thirteenth day of the waxing moon in the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. He was the son of Queen Trishala and King Siddhartha at birth. However, the Swetambar Jains disagreed over the exact year of his birth; they claim he was born in 599 BC, while the Digambar Jains assert that he was born in 615 BC.
At 30, Mahavir gave up his throne and all of his material riches to pursue a spiritual path. He lived in exile as an ascetic for 12 years. Sage Vardhamana lived a life of austerity and meditation for around 12 years before achieving “Kevala Jnana,” or omniscience; as a result, he also went by the name Sage Vardhamana and advocated nonviolence. He was known for having significant control over his senses.
Several experts believe Mahavira was born as early as 100 years before the Buddha, whose conventional birth date has also been reevaluated. His original name was Vardhamana, and he was thought to have been born about 599 BC. Lord Mahavira Vardhamana departed from his house in search of the world’s truth. He had a simple life, travelling, asking for food, and donning minimal clothing.
After interacting with several individuals from various cultures and backgrounds, He gained knowledge of the world’s misery, suffering, etc. He then concentrated all of his energy on fasting and meditation. This procedure led to his awakening. He constantly emphasizes that to end people’s endless pursuit of goals, they need to get rid of greed and their attachment to material stuff. He lectured about Jain philosophy all across South Asia.
Event of Mahavir Jayanti
On Mahavir Jayanti, religious processions are held. Flags are flown outside Jain temples, and the needy and underprivileged are given donations. Additionally, grants are offered to help prevent the killing of animals. On Mahavir Jayanti, there is a parade with Mahavir’s idol pulled by a chariot, and people sing hymns along the way.
The Jains mark this day by giving to charity, praying, fasting, going to Jain temples, performing collective prayers, and meditating. Eating sattvic cuisine, which consists of freshly cooked vegetarian dishes made without onion or garlic, is a tradition during the festivities. These two root vegetables are not included in the sattvic diet, which is also produced with petty cruelty to animals.