Mahavir Jayanti 2016-2614th Birth Anniversary of Mahavir Swami

2614th Birth Anniversary of Mahavir Swami

Trayodashi Tithi Starts = 03:19 on 19/Apr/2016

Trayodashi Tithi Ends = 05:46 on 20/Apr/2016

Mahavir Jayanti 2016

Mahavir Jayanti (महावीर जयन्ती) is observed by Jains as birth anniversary of sage Mahavir. Mahavir, also known as Vardhamana, established core tenets of Jainism. Mahavir was the 24th and the last Jain sage.

Mahavir was born on thirteenth day of the rising moon of Chaitra month (which was Trayodashi Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month). Mahavir was born during 599 B.C. to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala and disappeared in 527 B.C. at the age of 72  to achieve Moksha or Nirvana. His body was cremated at Pawapuri, which was later on converted into a Jain temple (presently known as Jal Mandir). Mahavir was born at Kundalagrama which is situated under Vaishali district in Bihar. As per legend, the Lord after birth was bathed by the god-king Indra with celestial milk. This ritual marked his birth as the birth of a Tirthankara.

Mahavir Jayanti (महावीर जयन्ती), also known as ‘Mahavir Janma Kalyanak’, is an important religious festival according to Jainism. Lord Mahavira is acclaimed as one of the greatest Jain Prophet who preached the philosophy to encourage nonviolence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), chastity (Bramacharya), non-stealing (Asatya), and simple living (Aparigraha).

On this day, people of Jain community across India and abroad indulge in various religious and charitable activities.  Many devotees visit temples and offer prayers. Followers of Jainism bring home statues of Mahavira and give it a ceremonial bath traditionally called as Abhisheka. Special processions are carried out by the followers, showcasing a tableau on the life of Mahavira. Jain temples are packed with the devotees of the Lord who wish to seek blessings of Mahavira for prosperity.

The act of giving forms a significant part of the celebration. Following the principles of Lord Mahavira, the devotees practice charitable acts in one way or other. 

The gift of giving can be any of the following:

Gyan daan (spreading words of knowledge)

Abhay daan (guarding the good from evil)

Aushad daan (lending medical help)

Ahaar daan (feeding the starving)