Mahavir Jayanti 2024: Date, History, Significance And All You Need To Know

Mahavira Jayanti: Jainism advocates for global harmony and minimal harm to living beings, making Mahavira Jayanti a significant festival for Jains.

Mahavir Jayanti 2024: All You Need To Know

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Mahavira Jayanti is celebrated every year to mark the birth of Mahavira, founder of Jainism. On this day, the Jain community observes peace, harmony and spreads the teachings of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Jainism advocates for global harmony and minimal harm to living beings, making Mahavira Jayanti a significant festival for Jains.

Mahavira Jayanti 2024: Date

This year, Mahavira Jayanti falls on April 21, 2024. History says that Mahavira was born in Kundalagrama, Bihar, on the 13th day of the Chaitra month to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. However, his birth date is debatable among the two sects of the Jain Community. According to the Swetambar Jains, he was born in 599 BC, while the Digambar Jains believe his birth year is 615 BC.

At the age of 30, Mahavira gave up his crown and all his worldly possessions in search of a spirituality. After spending 12 years in exile as an ascetic, away from all worldly pleasures, he reeived the ‘Kevala Jnana’ or omniscience. This is why, he was also called Sage Vardhamana for his exceptional control over his senses.

Mahavira attained enlightenment (Nirvana) at the age of 72.

Mahavira Jayanti: Teachings Of Mahavira

Mahavira preached principles such as non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment. His teachings were compiled by his disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama.

Here are the five principles of Lord Mahavira:

1. Truth
2. Non-violence
3. Non-stealing
4. Non-possession
5. Chastity.

Mahavira emphasised the principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence, teaching that all living beings deserve respect and should be treated with the same reverence one desires for oneself. Ahimsa, regarded as the foremost vow in Jainism, extends to actions, speech, and thoughts.

Satya, or truthfulness, applies both inwardly and outwardly.

Asteya, the concept of non-stealing, entails refraining from taking what hasn't been freely given.

Brahmacharya advocates celibacy for monks and fidelity for householders.

Aparigraha promotes non-attachment to material possessions for laypeople and complete renunciation of ownership for mendicants.

Mahavira Jayanti 2024: Celebrations

On the day of Mahavira Jayanti, Jains take part in early morning processions, perform rituals, and organise grand processions, followed by the consecration of Mahavira's idol with gold and silver kalashas. During this time, the gurus of the Jain community present and explain the teachings of Lord Mahavira and impart his principles.