Introduction about Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is the most auspicious day for Jains. The day is celebrated by Jain communities across the world in memory of the last spiritual leader of Jainism.
It takes place in March or April, according to the Gregorian calendar. It is also the 13th day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar.
History and significance
Lord Mahavir is considered as the founder of Jainism. He was born in 599 BC. AD, at Kshatriyakund, Bihar, on the 13th day of the bright half moon, in the month of Chaitra. He was the 24th and last Tirthankar (the teaching deity who preaches dharma).
He was born to King Siddartha and Queen Trisala, his parents named Mahavir Vardhman. He was born into a royal family, but he did not like the government and the luxurious life. He was always looking for inner peace and spirituality.
In his childhood, Vardhman became deeply interested in the basic beliefs of Jainism and began to meditate. At the age of 30, he left the throne and his family to seek spiritual truth. He lived an austere life and practiced intense penance and deep abstinence for more than twelve years before attaining ‘Kevala Jnana’ or enlightenment.
About Lord Mahavir
Lord Mahavir was the son of Prince Vardhamana of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Although he should have been king, he left his family when he was thirty years old in search of evidence in the universe, and left everything he had in the world, especially his clothes. He moved, practicing yoga and abstinence, leading a unique and iconoclastic life.
He learned about the various trials and tribulations that people go through in his journey and ultimately attaining knowledge. He resumed his movement after disbanding the drug, teaching the concept of complete freedom from the processes of rebirth, existence, discomfort, sorrow and death – and how anyone can achieve Moksh.
Facts of Lord Mahavir:
It is recognized by five cities. He left his country with his relatives when he was thirty years old.
It is believed that Lord Mahavira practiced vipassana meditation for 12 years. They have five principles on how to live a good life.
He divided the supporters of Socrates into four groups: monks (Sadhu), nuns (Sadhvi), lay people (Shravak) and lay people (Shravak) (Shravika). Its main importance in education is to clearly show how to free oneself from the forms of pregnancy, life, suffering, misery and death. Often a state of well-being is reached that lasts a lifetime. Power, Alice Chained, Unlimited Freedom or Moksha are words used to describe this state.
Life lessons you will learn from Lord Mahavir
Lord Mahavir gave 5 great principles for human welfare which is also known as Panchsheel Siddhanta. Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya are the five principles. Man’s first duty is to speak the truth and not be violent. The second is asteya which means attaining peace and spiritual salvation, not stealing. Aparigraha, or indifference to a subject or object, helps a person to give up materialism and move forward on the spiritual path, and a celibate (Brahmacharya) is easily acquired authority in his opinion.
Have compassion for all living things: The first lesson of life we can learn from the life of Lord Mahavir is that we have to have compassion for all living things. According to Mahavir Bhagwan, all living things have a soul and are interconnected. He tried to teach that all living things should be treated with compassion and compassion and that no living thing should be harmed. Mahavir Bhagwan’s teachings about kindness and non-violence are really useful today, many people have become vegetarians or vegans because of them.
Non-violence: The second life lesson we can learn from Lord Mahavir’s life is non-violence. Mahavir Bhagwan was a firm believer in non-violence. He said that violence only begets violence. Mahavir Bhagwan’s principles of non-violence had a profound impact on Indian society and inspired many great leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
Non-violence is a powerful tool for social change. Mahavir Bhagwan’s non-violent teachings can be applied in various areas of life, such as politics, economics, and personal relationships. Humans can establish a peaceful and harmonious society by choosing non-violence over non-violence.
Detachment: The third life lesson you will learn from Lord Mahavir is detachment. Mahavir Bhagwan strongly believed in the concept of detachment, which is letting go of attachment to material things, desires and emotions. He taught that letting go of these attachments leads to inner peace and spiritual understanding. Separation is a central concept in Jainism, and is considered essential for attaining enlightenment. People are constantly bombarded with information in today’s environment telling us that we need more materialistic things to be happy. Mahavir Bhagwan’s teaching on renunciation reminds us that true happiness comes from within, and that it is important not to get attached to materialism or changing circumstances.
Self-control: The fourth life lesson to be learned from Lord Mahavir is self-control. Mahavir Bhagwan valued self-control. He taught that by learning to control one’s needs, desires, and emotions, one can achieve spiritual peace and spiritual understanding. Self-mastery is a central tenet of Jainism and is seen as a means of winning wealth and attaining enlightenment.
We are often encouraged in today’s world to believe in our desires and emotions. On the other hand, Mahavir Bhagwan’s teaching on self-control, reminds us that true inner peace comes from trying to control our desires and emotions instead of letting them control us.
Respect for all religions: The fifth life lesson to learn from Lord Mahavir is respect for all religions. All religions were respected by Mahavir Bhagwan, who viewed all religions as having the potential to lead to spiritual enlightenment. He taught to respect other religions and to learn instead of criticizing or rejecting them. In today’s environment, where religious intolerance and conflict are rife, this is a very important lesson to learn.
How to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti across India
Mahavir Jayanti has great significance for the Jain community and is celebrated with enthusiasm and festive spirit in India and around the world. The charity of the devotees, the recitation of stavans, the procession of the Lord in the chariot and the spiritual teachings of the Jain munis and sadhvis are special attractions during this period.
A pilgrimage to the shrine of Lord Mahavira is called Rath Yatra. Devotees recite stavans or bhajans. Before the procession, the statue of Lord Mahavira receives a ceremonial bath called ‘Abhishek’.
People go to the temple dedicated to their Lord and have a mass prayer meeting.
Why do we celebrate Mahavir Jayanti?
Every year, Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the gospel of Lord Mahavir and Jain philosophy. On this day, Jain members offer prayers and respect to the lord by going to the temple. Devotees also decorate them with fresh flowers and flags for Mahavir Jayanti celebrations. The idol of Lord Mahavir is immersed in ceremonial oil, called Abhisheka.
Importance of Mahavir Jayanti
Jainism emphasizes world peace. They believe in unity so that nothing harms living things. Therefore, on Mahavir Jayanti, donations are also given to help save animals from slaughter, in addition to helping the poor and needy.
