Mahavir Jayanti 2022: History and Significance

Lord Mahavir is credited with founding Jainism. He was born in Kshatriyakund, Bihar, on the 13th day of the bright half of the moon, in the month of Chaitra, in the year 599 BC. He was the 24th and final incarnation of the Tirthankar (teaching god who preaches dharma).

Mahavir was born to King Siddartha and Queen Trisala and given the name Vardhaman by his parents. Despite the fact that he was born into a royal family, he detested royalty and the high life. He was constantly on the lookout for inner peace and spirituality.

In his early years, Vardhaman developed a deep interest in Jainism’s core teachings and began meditating. At the age of 30, he abdicated the monarchy and his family in order to seek spiritual truth. He lived as an ascetic for more than twelve years before attaining ‘Kevala Jnana,’ or omniscience, through rigorous penance and great discipline.

Mahavir Jayanti Celebration

The celebration is held to promote peace and harmony while also disseminating Lord Mahavira’s teachings. The procession has the form of a “rath yatra,” with Lord Mahavira’s statue properly set on top. Jain temples are festooned with flags, and Jains donate food and clothing to those in need. Because Jainism is adamantly opposed to animal slaughter, donations are made to help put an end to it.

Prayers are offered in temples devoted to Lord Mahavira in addition to charity deeds. Other devotees frequently practise meditation, which Mahavira promoted. On this day, worshippers flock to old and well-known Jain temples in large numbers. Monks and nuns recite Mahavira’s and Jainism’s teachings.

Mahavir Jayanti is primarily a Jain celebration, and you can visit any of the Jain temples to get a full sense of it.

Principles of Lord Mahavira:

The following principles, according to Mahavira, should be followed in order to live a blameless life:

  • Nonviolence (Ahimsa) is the practise of not harming living beings.
  • Satya (truthfulness) is the ability to express the truth.
    Non-stealing (Asteya) means not possessing things that are not yours.
  • Chastity (Bramacharya) is abstaining from sensual pleasures.
  • Non-attachment (Aparigraha) is the ability to remain detached from material possessions.
  • The main pillars of Jainism, often known as ‘Jain Agamas,’ are his teachings.