Jains consider that Jainism is an everlasting (sanatan) faith (dharma), with the tirthankaras guiding each cycle of Jain cosmology, and the neighborhood celebrates Mahavir Jayanti to commemorate the beginning anniversary of Jainism’s founder, or Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, the twenty fourth Tirthankara of Jainism.
With the motto Parasparopagraho Jvnm (the operate of souls is to assist each other), Jainism focuses on world peace and concord, whereas amkra mantra is without doubt one of the commonest and primary prayers in Jainism, and Mahavir Jayanti is well known as one of the vital auspicious festivals of the Jain neighborhood to watch peace, concord, and to unfold Mahavira’s teachings.
Mahavir Jayanti can be noticed this 12 months on Tuesday (April 4).
Mahavir Jayanti: Historical past And Significance
Mahavir was born in Kundalagrama, Bihar, on the thirteenth day of the Chaitra month, or the thirteenth day of the waxing moon within the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. He was the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. The Swetambar Jains suppose he was born in 599 BC, whereas the Digambar Jains say he was born in 615 BC.
Mahavir renounced his crown and all his earthly belongings when he was 30 years outdated in quest of a non secular path. He spent 12 years in exile as an ascetic, away from all worldly pleasures, and meditated and led an austere life for roughly 12 years till buying ‘Kevala Jnana’ or omniscience, and was subsequently often called Sage Vardhamana. He advocated nonviolence (ahimsa).
Mahavir preached nonviolence, satya (reality), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment). Indrabhuti Gautama, Mahavir’s major disciple, compiled Mahavir’s teachings. He was given his identify due to his exceptional mastery over his senses. Searching for reality and non secular liberation, he gained Nirvana (enlightenment) on the age of 72.
Mahavir Jayanti: Celebrations Throughout The Nation
On Mahavir Jayanti, a procession bearing Mahavir’s idol atop a chariot takes place, and other people recite devotional songs alongside the way in which. On this present day, Jains all the world over commemorate by doing charitable work, praying and fasting, visiting Jain temples, main mass prayers, and meditating.
Among the many festivities is the consumption of satvik meals, which consists of freshly ready vegetarian meals freed from onion and garlic. Satvik diets exclude these two root greens and are ready with as little damage to residing creatures as attainable.
Throughout Mahavir Jayanti, non secular processions (rath yatra) are held. Flags adorn Jain temples, and donations are made to the destitute and needy. Donations are additionally supplied in an effort to assist save animals from killing.