CELEBRATION OF MAHAVIR JAYANTI
Mahavir Janma Kalyanak or Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important festivals in Jainism and in the Indian Continental. On this day we all celebrate the birth of Mahavir. Earlier, Jains and Buddhist literature used several names for Lord Mahavir; Nayaputta, Muni, Samana, Niggantha, Brahman, and Bhagavan.
It said that Mahavir was born on the thirteenth day in the month of Chaitra in the year 599 BCE. Before, Lord Mahavir was named Vardhaman which means which increases continuously and there is no end to it. It is said that he was a Kshatriya Prince. We don't know whether this statement was correct or not. It is considered that the day Mahavir was born is the most favorable day in the Jain community.
Lord Mahavir was married but he left his kingdom to find the truth of life. He spent his twelve years leading a hard and lonely life. He abandoned all pleasures of life at the age of 30. He was a son of King Siddhartha and Trisala from the Royal family of the Ikshvaku dynasty in Bihar.
The day is celebrated across the world by the community of Jain. He is also known for being the last teacher of Jainism. The most important is that the festival is celebrated in simplicity and that is what makes the festival so unique. All the Jain communities who are located in different countries celebrate the Jayanti with lots of love and affection for Saint Mahavir.
The ‘Rath Yatra’ of Saint Mahavir is carried out on a chariot while singing religious rhymes. Saint Mahavir's statue is showered by Abhishek. In this Abhishek, most members of this Jain community are engaged in the pujas, and prayers and they also keep fast for the day. This is the most common way to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti by Jains. The festival is celebrated in peace and non-violence. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated all over India in some most important places like;
- Gomateshwara,
- Dilwara,
- Ranakpur,
- Sonagiri
- Shikharji.
Mahavir Jayanti is the day of Mahavir’s birth. The power of Saint Mahavir in teaching Spiritual teachings is respected and impressed by many individuals who believe. Saint Mahavir was as simple as he made Jainism so simple. He spread his message regarding love that will continue to live forever.
He is considered the Lord of peace and always followed the steps of his predators. The fivefold path consists of ‘Ahinsa, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Satya, and Aparigraha.’ Lord Mahavir explained this technique based on the scientific meaning of Nature and the importance of life. His techniques are still followed by many people including non-Jains. Followers shower the statue of Lord Mahavir and decorate the temple with flags, flowers, and candles. On this day lectures and silent prayers are held.
This year's Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on 14th April 2022. On the day we will see the simplicity of the religious festival. The meanings of Lord Mahavir’s five great Vows are:
- Ahinsa (Non-Violence): It is constantly said in the Jain literature that “Do no harm, abuse, oppress, insult, torture or kill any living thing. There are different forms of livings on earth such as Humans, insects, animals, plants, bacteria, and smaller lives that cannot be seen through our open eyes. We cannot hurt any living no matter which forms of living it is.
In Jainism, there are five senses which are classified as:
- Touch.
- Taste
- Smell
- Sight
- Hearing
- Satya (Truth): To speak the truth, one requires a lot of courage. If you have anger, greed, fear, jealousy, ego, then you are able to speak the truth. Jainism says that no matter what happens one should speak the truth.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Asteya means taking over somebody’s authorized property without consent. One should not take something which does not belong to him or her.
- Aparigraha (Non- Possession): “Lord Mahavir has said that wants and desires have no ends, and only the sky is the limit.”
- Brahmacharya (Chastity): Sensual pleasure is an infatuating force, which keeps aside all the virtual reasons at the time of indulgence. In Jainism, Monks are required to follow the Five Vows strictly.
What is the story of Mahavir Jayanti? :
Mahavir Vardhamana was born in Kundagram, Vaishali in Bihar in 599/582 BC. At the age of 30,, he left home and became an ascetic. According to the Jain community after 12 years of the canvas, he attained ‘Kaivalya’ which is called ‘Enlightenment’. There is a literature called ‘Agam’ which is basically based on Teachings. As above, Mahavir Jayanti is basically celebrated to remember Lord Mahavir's teaching and then apply them in today’s century. The other reason for celebrating Mahavir Jayanti is to maintain peace.
Birth of Mahavir Jain:
The truth about the Jain community is believed that Rebirth is the truth. There are so many articles and literature about Mahavir Jain and Jayanti. It is also said that the Truth has meaning once it is is accepted and solved all the problems even though it hurts then only it’s considered the truth. The instance is that there is a book called ‘Aao Jain Dharam Jane’ written by Praveen Chandra Jain. In this book, there are explanations and stories of Rebirth. You call it a history of Rebirth too.
Festivals in the Jain community:
There are many religious festivals in Jainism. Jains celebrate many festivals annually. Most of the festivals arrive according to the Sanskrit calendar. It is considered the fourth month of the Sanskrit calendar in the period of monsoon when the Jain Ascetics remained in one place in the tradition of Jains. The festivals of the Jain community are:
Paryusana: This festival is the most important festival for Jains. The meaning of Paryushana is divided into two words which are; ‘A year’ and ‘a comeback’. Jain Monks stop walking and sit at one stable place and reside lectures on various subjects.
Svetambara: It means eight days. It is celebrated for eight days by the Jain community.
Digambara: It means ten days. It is celebrated for ten days by the Jain community. It is also called ‘Das Lakshana Parva’. This festival is called giving forgiveness. The community does fasting on these days along with religious activities.
There are some regular rituals that are carried out at Jain temples in many places. ‘Kalpa sutra’ is described by monks at the temple which tells the story of the life of Mahavir Jain. There are so many rituals that are celebrated in the temples by monks and the Jain community.
Diwali and Jainism:
As we all celebrate Diwali with so much excitement, do we know what this festival is and why we celebrate it? Let me tell you. Diwali is the most important festival in India. Mahavir Jain gained Nirvana followed by Moksha on this day at that time in 527 BCE. It comes in the last month of the Jain calendar which is called Ashvina month. According to the English calendar, it comes in the month of October or November. It is celebrated by the followers of Mahavira, the eighteenth king of northern India decides to light up a lamp on this day which is called ‘Dipa’ which symbolizes the knowledge of Mahavira. Therefore, it is known as Dipawali or Diwali. Jains are prohibited to bust crackers.
New Year:
According to the Hindi calendar, at the end of Ashvin month, Jains celebrate the first year on the very first day of the month ‘Kartika’.
Gyana Panchami:
On this day holy scripts and worships are done by the Jain community. It is the fifth day of the month Kartika and is called Knowledge day.
Paushya Dashmi:
According to the Jain calendar, the month Pushya ( December/January) Janma Kalyanaka is celebrated by the Jain community and kept fast for three days.
Maun Agiyaras:
It is celebrated on the 11th day of the ‘Magshar’ month in the Jain calendar (October/November) on this day Jains remain in complete silence with fasting and meditation.
Nawapad oli:
This is the ninth day and Oli is a period of semi-fasting in these days, Jains take only one meal at a day without ghee, oil, and spices. This festival comes twice a year in the month in March/April/May.
Mahamastakaabhishek:
This festival is carried out once in twelve years in Karnataka (Shavanabelagola). The statue of Bahubali is showered and worshipped with Abhishekas. The statue is 18 meters in height. The last festival was in 2018 now it will arrive in the year 2030.
Roth Teej:
On this day Jains are not allowed to eat proper seven meals. They eat only one type of grain food called Roth once a day. The festival sets the reminder that Material wealth is not important and one should surrender the true happiness.
Varshi Tapa / Akshya Tritiya Tapa:
After fasting for 13 months and 13 days the first Jain Tirthankara and Lord Rishabhdeva completed austerity. Akshaya's truth is the ending of Lord Adinath’s fast after a year by drinking sugarcane juice poured into their hands.
Shruth Panchami:
This festival is celebrated every year in the month of May to recall Acharya Pushpadanta and Butabali. He was a Digambar monk.
Posh Dashmi:
This festival is celebrated by Jains and it is about the life of Parshvanath.
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