Mahavir Jayanti 2022: Date, Time, Celebration and Significance
Mahavir Jayanti is the most auspicious day for Jains. On this day, the Jain community remembers the last spiritual teacher of Jainism all around the world. It happens in March or April according to the Gregorian calendar. It’s also the 13th day of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar. It will be place on April 14 this year.
The Rath Yatra, a parade bearing the idol of Lord Mahavira, is held on this auspicious festival. Devotees also go to temples, worship Lord Mahavir, recite religious poetry, pray for his blessings for a healthy and prosperous life, and participate in a variety of charitable activities to give back to society and just do good.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Mahavira Jayanti celebrated?
The Jains’ most important and auspicious festival is Mahavir Jayanti, which commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir. Devotees observe this holy event in loving memory of Jainism’s last spiritual leader, the 24th Tirthankara.
2. Who celebrates Mahaveer Jayanti birthday?
Mahavir Jayanti, one of the most auspicious holidays for the Jain community, commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Mahavir Jayanti is observed on April 14 this year to promote peace, harmony, and the teachings of Lord Mahavira.
3. What are the positive characteristics of Thursday-born people?
Mahavir Jayanti is a national holiday in India. Government offices at the state, local, and national levels will be closed. Jains’ shops and commercial establishments would also be shuttered.
4. Which God is Worshipped on Mahavir Jayanti?
The Mahavir Jayanti, one of the most important Jain holidays, commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavira, Jainism’s twenty-fourth Tirthankara.
