Mahavir Jayanti 2024 (India): Explore its Unique History and Facts

Mahavir Jayanti 2024: The most significant religious holiday in Jainism, Mahavir Jayanti is observed thirteen days after the waxing (rising) half of the Hindu month of Caitra, which typically falls in late March or early April on the Gregorian calendar. The date falls on April 21 this year. Celebrate with us right here at National Today!

Mahavir Jayanti: History

Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth of the 24th and final Tirthankara (great sages), the Buddha’s contemporary Mahavira. The progenitor of Jainism is purportedly Lord Mahavir. Born in Kshatriyakund, Bihar, in the month of Chaitra in the year 599 B.C. He was the final and twenty-fourth incarnation of the Tirthankar, the teaching deity who espouses dharma.

Vardhaman was the given name of King Siddartha and Queen Trisala’s son, Mahavir. While he was born into a royal family, both the royal family and the high life abhorred him. Constantly in pursuit of interior tranquility and spirituality.

During his youth, Vardhaman developed a deep fascination with the fundamental tenets of Jainism and commenced the practice of meditation. At age 30, he abstained from the throne and his family in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Prior to attaining ‘Kevala Jnana,’ or omniscience, he spent over a decade and a half as an ascetic, observing strict discipline and engaging in arduous penance.

The deity of Lord Mahavir is affixed to a chariot and displayed during the “Rath Yatra” procession. While traveling, religious hymns (stavans) are chanted. The statues of Mahavir are blessed in a ritual referred to as the ‘abhisheka.’ On this day, the Jain community partakes in philanthropic endeavors and prayers as a way of observance.

By delivering lectures, monks and nuns advocate the virtuous path that Jainism prescribes. Contributions are made to charitable missions in observance of the occasion. India’s ancient temples typically attract a significant number of visitors who come to honor and partake in the day’s rituals.

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Mahavir Jayanti: FAQs

The location where Mahavira achieved enlightenment is unknown.

Mahavira dedicated twelve years to performing arduous penance beneath a ‘Sāla’ tree at River Rijubalika, ultimately arriving at Kevala Jnana.

Buddha possibly met Mahavira?

It was not that they met. Mahavira was born after the era of Buddha.

What unites the Mahavira and Buddha?

Both of them adhered to the Vedic tradition of India and were born into the warrior caste of Kshatriya in the eastern region.

Mahavir Jayanti: Activities

More information about Mahavira

As an observance of Mahavir Jayanti, gain further knowledge regarding Mahavira and his teachings. Recall the importance of nonviolent behavior toward all living things.

Pray and fast

A worldwide congregation of Jains observes the day through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Engage in an altruistic deed to commemorate the observance.

Observe the Jain temple.

The Jain community additionally observes the day through the adornment of temples. Additionally, one might consider visiting Jain temples to participate in communal supplications and engage in contemplative practices.

Five Facts about Mahavir Jayanti

Early indications

A night before the birth of their first child, when Queen Trishala and King Siddharth were expecting, she had a premonition in which the unborn prince assumed the role of a “Tirthankara” in Jainism.

Indra greeted the advent of Mahavira.

Mahavira was born in ‘Ahalya Bhumi,’ and the monarch himself, according to Jain sources, celebrated his birth.

He once fled his kingdom and family.

Having become disillusioned with his regal lifestyle, Mahavira led an austere existence in search of spiritual enlightenment after his parents passed away when he was 28 years old.

The duration of the Mahavira meditation was two years.

After 12 years of meditation, Mahavira commenced his spiritual contemplation and attained Bodula Jnana or infinite knowledge.

The demise of Mahavira occurred on Krishna’s birthday.

On Krishna’s birthday, he passed away in Pawapuri, Magadha (Bihar).

Mahavir Jayanti: Importance

It is an occasion to honor Lord Mahavira.

The most significant and auspicious festival for the Jain faith is Mahavir Jayanti. It is fitting to commemorate his life and ponder his teachings during this holiday.

Mahavira was an exceptional seer.

Lord Mahavir is widely recognized as one of the preeminent global foretellers of peace and social change. He emulated the conduct of his predecessor, Tirthankar Parshvanatha.

The evolution and moral brilliance of Jainism

The spiritual and moral eminence of Lord Mahavir mesmerized a considerable number of individuals not only in India, but globally as well. He propagated Jainism, an uncomplicated religion devoid of any elaborate rituals, and he inspired a great number of individuals to emulate his achievements.