Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Date, history, rituals and significance
PTC News Desk: Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Jains. Celebrated annually, this festival marks the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira, the last Tirthankara (teacher of Jainism). The festival usually falls on the 13th day of the rising moon in the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra. In 2023, Mahavir Jayanti is expected to be celebrated on the 7th of April.
The festival of Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of the Jainism religion. It is believed that Lord Mahavira was born in the state of Bihar in 599 BC. He was the founder of the Jain religion and was the one who spread the philosophy of nonviolence, compassion, and self-control.
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Date:
Mahavir Jayanti 2023 will be celebrated on Tuesday April 4.
History and significance:
On the 13th day in the month of Chaitra or the 13th day of waxing moon in the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar, Mahavir was born in Bihar’s Kundalagrama. Mahavir was the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Mahavir’s birth date is debatable among Swetambar Jains, as per to them he was born in 599 BC. Mahavir was renounced the when he was 30 years old, he abandoned all the worldly possessions in search of a spiritual path.
On the day of Mahavir Jayanti, devotees of Lord Mahavira visit temples and offer prayers. They also follow a strict vegetarian diet and practice fasting. Special prayer ceremonies are held in temples and large processions are taken out in the streets. People chant prayers and sing devotional songs in praise of Lord Mahavira. Images and idols of Lord Mahavira are also carried in the processions.
The festival of Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated not only by the Jains but also by people from other religions. It is seen as a day of peace, non-violence and spiritual enlightenment. People also observe this day as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting other beliefs.
Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival for the Jains and an occasion to celebrate the teachings of Lord Mahavira. On this day, let us come together to spread the message of peace, love and harmony.
- With inputs from agencies
