Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav’ today, April 21, on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event commenced with the PM releasing a commemorative stamp and coin, followed by his address to the gathering.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister said India is a safe haven for humanity. “India is not only the oldest living civilization in the world but also a safe haven for humanity. It is India which thinks not for itself but for the whole...'Ye Bharat he hain jo aham nahi vayam ki sochta hain'...It is India that talks about policy and destiny,” he said.
PM said that Bharat Mandapam is witnessing the beginning of the 2550th Nirvan Mahotsav of Lord Mahavira.
“I extend my wishes to the people of the country on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. To be part of such a program during the hustle and bustle of elections is comforting,” he said.
“Today the world caught in conflict is expecting peace from India. The credit for this new role of new India is being given to our growing capability and foreign policy. But I want to tell you, our cultural image has a big contribution to this,” the Prime Minister said.
“Today India has come into this role because we keep forth truth and non-violence on global platforms with full confidence. We tell the world that the solution to global crises and conflicts lies in India's ancient culture, India's ancient tradition. Therefore, today India is making its place as a world friend for the world divided in opposition,” he added.
Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar, illuminated the path of peaceful co-existence and universal brotherhood through Jain principles such as Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Sata (Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-Stealing), Brahmacharya (Chastity), and Aparigraha (Non-attachment).
Jains Commemorate Five Kalyanaks (major events) of every Tirthankar, including Magavir Swami ji: Chyavana/Garbha (Conception) Kalyanak; Janma (Birth) Kalyanak; Diksha (Renunciation) Kalyanak; Kevaljnana (Omniscience) Kalyanak and Nirvana (Liberation/Ultimate Salvation) Kalyanak.
April 21, marks the Janma Kalyanak of Bhagwani Mahavir Swami. The Government led by PM Modi has honoured the occasion by organising a cultural programme at Bharat Mandapam. Several Saints from the Jain community graced the event.
Mahavir Jayanti, a revered festival in Jainism, commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. Observed with profound devotion by millions of Jains worldwide, the festival holds a special place in the hearts of the followers of this ancient faith.
Born in 599 BCE in Vaishali, an ancient city in present-day Bihar, India, Lord Mahavir was originally named Vardhamana. He was born into the royal family of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. At 30, he renounced his princely status and embarked on a spiritual quest, seeking enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.