Why Is Mahavir Jayanti Celebrated? Know Its Significance And Date In April
Mahavir Jayanti is a significant day for followers of Jainism. Know who Mahavir Swami was, whose five principles form the foundation of Jainism.
Mahavir Jayanti 2025: The word "Jain" originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Jin’, meaning “the conqueror”. According to Jain scriptures, Jainism is considered an eternal religion and one of the oldest and most profound faiths in the world.
Just as Hinduism celebrates festivals like Diwali, Mahashivratri, and Janmashtami, Mahavir Jayanti holds immense spiritual importance for the Jain community. It commemorates the birth of the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, Lord Mahavir. This day is celebrated with great devotion and reverence across the country. Let us take a look at when Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated in 2025.
When Is Mahavir Jayanti In 2025?
Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BCE. As per the Hindu lunar calendar, Mahavir Jayanti is observed every year on the 13th day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Chaitra. In 2025, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on April 10. The day is marked by religious processions, Prabhat Pheri (early morning devotional walks), and grand Shobha Yatras. Devotees perform ceremonial baths (Abhishek) of Lord Mahavir’s idols with gold and silver urns, and flags are hoisted on temple spires.
Who Was Lord Mahavir?
Lord Mahavir was born into a royal family in Kundalpur, a village in present-day Vaishali district of Bihar. His father was King Siddhartha and his mother was Queen Trishala. At a young age, Mahavir renounced worldly pleasures and chose the path of asceticism. He left behind a life of luxury and committed himself to spreading the teachings of Jainism.
According to Jain beliefs, Lord Mahavir underwent 12 years of intense penance and meditation. He practiced deep silence, spiritual discipline, self-control, and even plucked his own hair as a symbol of detachment. Eventually, he attained supreme knowledge (Kevalgyan). His teachings continue to inspire people to follow the path of self-discipline, non-violence, and ethical living.
Five Principles Of Lord Mahavir
Lord Mahavir preached for the welfare of humanity and laid down five core principles that form the foundation of Jainism. These are:
- Satya (Truth)
- Ahimsa (Non-violence)
- Asteya (Non-stealing)
- Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
For his followers, the path to liberation lies in renunciation and self-sacrifice—but without the harm or sacrifice of any living being.
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