Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Celebrating the Birth of Lord Mahavir and the Principles of Jainism

[Introduction]

Mahavir Jayanti 2023 is a significant festival celebrated by Jains all around the globe. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was the 24th and the last Tirthankara of Jainism. This day holds immense value for Jains as it reflects on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, which continue to inspire people to lead a more ethical and compassionate life.

[History]

Lord Mahavir was born as Vardhamana in 599 BCE to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala in Bihar, India. At the age of 30, he renounced all his worldly possessions and became an ascetic, dedicating his life to spiritual pursuits. He meditated, practiced self-discipline, and self-realization for 12 years, following which he attained enlightenment. Lord Mahavir preached the principles of Jainism, including non-violence, truthfulness, non-attachment, and compassion, which have had a profound impact on the way of life of Jains all over the world.

[Celebrations]

The celebration of Mahavir Jayanti involves visiting Jain temples, offering prayers, and performing aarti. Devotees also participate in religious processions and offer food, clothes, and other items to the needy. This day is a time for introspection and reflection, as Jains seek to follow the principles of Lord Mahavir in their daily lives.

[Significance]

Mahavir Jayanti is significant as it honors the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, and reflects on the values and principles he taught. The principles of Jainism, including non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion, continue to inspire people to lead more ethical and compassionate lives. Mahavir Jayanti is a reminder to all of us to follow these principles and live our lives with compassion and kindness towards all living beings.

[Conclusion]

In conclusion, Mahavir Jayanti holds immense importance for Jains as it honors the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, who preached the principles of Jainism. It is a time to reflect on these principles and strive towards living a more ethical and compassionate life. Mahavir Jayanti is a reminder to all of us to follow the path of non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion, and work towards creating a world of peace and harmony.

Mahavir Jayanti 2023 will be celebrated on 4th April to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and the last Tirthankara of Jainism. The day holds immense significance for Jains all over the world, who pay homage to Lord Mahavir and his teachings on this occasion.

Apart from Lord Mahavir, there were 23 other Tirthankaras in Jainism who are also revered by Jains. The list of Tirthankaras includes Rishabhdev, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandannath, Sumatinath, Padmaprabhu, Suparshvanath, Chandraprabhu, Pushpadanta, Sheetalnath, Shreyansanath, Vasupujya, Vimalnath, Anantnath, Dharmanath, Shantinath, Kunthunath, Aranath, Mallinath, Munisuvrata, Naminath, Neminath, and Parshvanath. Each Tirthankara has a unique symbol and birthplace associated with them.

On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, Jains offer prayers, visit Jain temples, and perform aarti. Devotees also participate in religious processions and offer food, clothes, and other items to the needy. The day is an occasion to reflect on the principles of Jainism, including non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion, and to strive towards leading a more ethical and compassionate life.

In conclusion, Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the last Tirthankara of Jainism. On this day, Jains all over the world pay homage to Lord Mahavir and his teachings, and reflect on the principles of Jainism. It is an occasion to strive towards leading a more ethical and compassionate life and to work towards creating a world of peace and harmony.

FAQ:

(1) Why we are celebrating Mahavir Jayanti?

We celebrate Mahavir Jayanti to honor the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. Lord Mahavir is highly revered by Jains all over the world as he is believed to have propagated the Jain philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), compassion (karuna), and self-discipline (tap). He is regarded as a great spiritual leader and a source of inspiration for millions of Jains. On this day, Jains pay their respects to Lord Mahavir, seek his blessings, and reflect on his teachings and principles, which are still relevant in today's world. Mahavir Jayanti is an occasion for Jains to come together, participate in religious processions, offer prayers, and engage in charitable activities.

(2) Is Mahavir Jayanti national holiday?

Mahavir Jayanti is not a national holiday in India, but it is a significant religious festival celebrated by the Jain community across the country. However, in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, where Jains constitute a significant portion of the population, the government declares Mahavir Jayanti as a public holiday. Some private companies and organizations may also choose to give their employees the day off on Mahavir Jayanti as a mark of respect for the Jain community and their beliefs.

(3) Whose birthday is Mahavir Jayanti? 

Mahavir Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who is the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. It is an important religious festival celebrated by Jains all over the world in honor of Lord Mahavir and his teachings of non-violence, truthfulness, compassion, and self-discipline. Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BC in present-day Bihar, India, and his life and teachings continue to inspire millions of Jains today.