Most of the festivals celebrated in Jainism are related to Tirthankara. Mahavira Jayanti is one such festival.
However, it is considered more crucial than the rest since it celebrates the day of birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara in Jainism. Mahavira was the twenty-fourth saviour and sage in Jainism.
Mahavira is responsible for creating the core principles of Jainism. On the day of Mahavira Jayanti, people celebrate his teachings and honour his life.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023 as per the Gregorian calendar and typically falls in March or April every year.
Mahavira Jayanti 2023 Date and Time
Mahavira Jayanti is celebrated in either late March or early April as per the Gregorian calendar. It is an important day for Jainism and is a gazetted holiday.
It is said that Mahavira was born on Trayodashi Tithi, the thirteenth day of the waxing moon in the Chaitra month. The next Mahavir Jayanti will fall on 4th April in 2023.
Why is the Festival Celebrated?
Mahavira was one of the most important sages of Jainism. His philosophies and teachings have formed the basis of Jainism. Mahavira Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of this great sage.
Also called Vardhamana, Mahavira left his affluent life to begin a journey toward the path of enlightenment. His experiences led him to search for Moksha. People celebrate Mahavira Jayanti in hopes of learning the same from Mahavira and finding moksha.
History of the Festival
Much like any other festival, the story of Mahavira Jayanti also has many possibilities. The two sides of Jainism, Svetambaras and Digambaras do not agree on an exact year of birth.
What they do agree on is that Mahavira was the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Mahavira left his comfortable home to explore the realities and truth of the universe.
He roamed the world and ultimately became a Tirthankara. Using his immense knowledge, Mahavira spread Jainism across the continent.
He taught for 30 years and preached five primary principles that formed Jainism: ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha.
How is the Festival Celebrated?
The primary aim of the festival is to celebrate the life of Mahavira. A procession known as Rath Yatra is organized and a statue of Mahavira is carried on a rath (chariot) in the streets.
People sing bhajans and chant prayers during the procession. People belonging to the Jain community clean the statues of Mahavira.
The ritual is known as Abhisheka. Jains visit their temples to listen to the preaching of their monks and gurus.
The festival is celebrated calmly and peacefully, following the main rules of Jainism. One of the most integral parts of the celebrations is donations.
Food, money, and clothes are often donated to the poor and needy in celebration of the humble lifestyle people following Jainism choose to live.
Conclusion
Mahavira Jayanti is an important festival of the Jain religion. It is a day of celebrating the beauty of living a life full of humility and peace.
The Jain community celebrates it with much vigour and happiness. Bringing happiness to others by donation is an integral part of the celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do we celebrate Mahavira Jayanti?
Mahavira Jayanti is celebrated for the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of Jainism. He was an integral part of Jainism and contributed significantly to the spread of Jainism in Asia.
2. When was Mahavira born?
The year of the birth of Mahavira differs according to the two sects of Jainism.
Digambara sect of Jainism believes that he was born in 615 BC, while Svetamabara believes he was born in 599 BC. 599 BC is commonly accepted as his birth year.
3. At what age did Mahavira leave home?
According to the legends, Mahavira left his home at 30 to live an ascetic life.
4. Whose birthday is celebrated on Mahavira Jayanti?
Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara of Jainism, birthday is celebrated on Mahavira Jayanti.