Know The Date, Rituals, & Temples To Visit On Mahavir Jayanti 2023
Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most significant festivals the Jain community people celebrate in India and around the world. It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. He is the founder of Jainism and the 24th and last Tirthankara. Moreover, the festival occurs on the 13th day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar. This usually falls in March or April. On this day, Jains offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Mahavir. They also organize processions, visit Jain temples, and participate in charitable activities. Thus, Mahavir Jayanti 2023 will be in April. In brief, let us know more about the festival and the celebrations related to it.
The timing of Mahavir Jayanti puja varies depending on the location and the tradition followed by the particular Jain community. In general, people perform the puja during the early morning hours, around sunrise. As per Jainism, it is an auspicious time for worshiping the deity.
However, it’s important to note that Mahavir Jayanti is not just a one-day festival. Instead, people typically celebrate over a period of several days leading up to the main day of the festival. During this time, Jains may perform special rituals and puja at home or in Jain temples. Moreover, they participate in cultural and religious activities.
In addition, if you are planning to perform Mahavir Jayanti puja at home or in a temple, it’s a good idea to consult with a Jain priest or spiritual leader in your community. Thus, perform this to determine the appropriate timing and rituals to follow. Hence, they shall guide you in performing the puja with proper devotion and reverence, in accordance with the traditions and teachings of Jainism.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Trayodashi Tithi Starts: On 06:24 AM on Apr 03, 2023
Trayodashi Tithi Ends: On 08:05 AM on Apr 04, 2023
The significance of Mahavir Jayanti lies in its celebration of the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir. Evidently, he preached the principles of non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion. Hence, his teachings emphasize the importance of self-discipline, detachment from material desires, and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment.
Mahavir Jayanti is also a day to reflect on the values and teachings of Jainism and to renew one’s commitment to leading a virtuous and meaningful life. Moreover, it is a time for Jains to come together as a community and celebrate their faith and heritage and spread the message of peace and harmony to the world.
The story behind Mahavir Jayanti roots in the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, who is the founder of Jainism. Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BCE in the kingdom of Vajji. And, it is now part of modern-day Bihar in India.
According to legend, Lord Mahavir’s mother, Queen Trishala, had a series of auspicious dreams before his birth. She dreamt of a celestial elephant entering her womb. This means she would give birth to a great soul who would bring peace and prosperity to the world.
As a young prince, Lord Mahavir lived a life of luxury and privilege. However, he got deeply troubled by the suffering and injustices he saw around him. Also, he felt a strong urge to renounce the world and seek spiritual enlightenment.
Furthermore, at the age of 30, Lord Mahavir left his palace and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. He spent the next 12 years living an ascetic life, practicing extreme self-discipline, and meditating in solitude.
After achieving enlightenment, Lord Mahavir began to teach the principles of Jainism, which signifies the importance of non-violence, truthfulness, compassion, and self-discipline. He traveled across the Indian subcontinent, spreading his message and attracting a large following of disciples.
Lord Mahavir’s teachings had a profound impact on the people of India and beyond. Moreover, people revere him as a spiritual leader and a symbol of peace and enlightenment. This day, as per Jainism, celebrates his birth anniversary and serves as a reminder of his life and teachings. Moreover, it continues to inspire and guide millions of people around the world.
16 dreams Mata Trishala saw before the birth of Lord Mahavir
According to Jain tradition, Queen Trishala, the mother of Lord Mahavir, had a total of 16 auspicious dreams before his birth. These dreams were a sign of the great destiny for her son. Here are the 16 dreams:
Elephant entering the womb of Trishala. This symbolizes that her child would be pure, strong, and wise.
Lion entering the womb. This symbolizes that her child would be brave and fearless.
Divine bull entering the womb. This symbolizes that her child would be virtuous and strong.
Magnificent Garuda bird entering the womb. This symbolizes that her child would possess great power and speed.
Pair of gold bangles. This symbolizes that her child would be a great ruler.
Rising sun. This symbolizes that her child would spread light and knowledge.
Full Moon. This symbolizes that her child would bring glory to the family.
Sea of milk with a lotus flower. This symbolizes that her child would be pure and gentle.
Celestial palace. This symbolizes that her child will have luxury and comfort.
Flame without smoke. This symbolizes that her child would be without desire and attachment.
Necklace of pearls. This symbolizes that her child would be wealthy and prosperous.
Jar overflowing with water. This symbolizes that her child would be kind and generous.
Pond full of lotus flowers. This symbolizes that her child would be pure and perfect.
Heaps of gems and jewels. This symbolizes that her child would be precious and valuable.
Throne made of precious stones. This symbolizes that her child would be a great ruler.
Goddess resembling the goddess of wealth. This symbolizes that her child would bring good fortune and prosperity.
Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Traditions and rituals to follow
Here are some of the traditions and rituals you must not forget on Mahavir Jayanti 2023:
Visiting Jain temples: Jains visit their local Jain temples on this day to offer prayers and seek blessings from the deity. Moreover, devotees decorate the temples with flowers and lights and perform special puja rituals in the morning and arti at the night.
Fasting: Many Jains observe a day-long fast on Mahavir Jayanti. Indeed it is a way of purifying the body and mind, and focusing on spiritual pursuits.
Reading and studying Jain texts: Many Jains spend time reading and studying Jain texts, such as the Agamas, which contain the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
Charity and donations: Jains believe in the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, and therefore, many of them donate to charitable organizations on this day.
Processions and parades: Many Jains organize processions and parades on this day, with devotees dressed in traditional attire and carrying colorful flags and banners. The processions are accompanied by music, chanting, and the distribution of sweets.
Lectures and discourses: Many Jain scholars and spiritual leaders deliver lectures and discourses on the teachings of Lord Mahavir and the principles of Jainism.
Offering food to the poor: Many Jains distribute food and other essentials to the poor and needy on this day, as a way of practicing the principle of ahimsa and selfless service.
On this day, Jains all over the world celebrate by participating in various religious and cultural activities. Here are some of the ways in which you can celebrate Mahavir Jayanti 2023:
Prayers and rituals: Jains offer prayers and perform special rituals in honor of Lord Mahavir. They visit Jain temples, perform puja, and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity.
Processions and parades: Many Jains organize processions and parades on this day, with devotees dressing in traditional attire and carrying colorful flags and banners. Hence, the processions accompany the music, chanting, and distribution of sweets.
Lectures and discourses: Many Jain scholars and spiritual leaders deliver lectures and discourses on the teachings of Lord Mahavir and the principles of Jainism.
Charity and donations: Jains believe in the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, and therefore, many of them donate to charitable organizations on this day.
Fasting: Many Jains observe a day-long fast on Mahavir Jayanti. They do so to highlight it as a way of purifying the body and mind, and focusing on spiritual pursuits.
Lord Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, taught the principles of non-violence, compassion, and self-discipline, which form the foundation of Jain philosophy. Here are some of his key teachings:
Ahimsa (non-violence): This is the most important principle of Jainism, and Lord Mahavir taught that all living beings are equal and should be treated with respect and compassion. Jains believe in avoiding harm to all living creatures, including animals and insects, and follow a strict vegetarian diet.
Karma and reincarnation: Lord Mahavir taught that every action has consequences and that our actions in this life will determine our future rebirths. Thus, Jains believe in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and strive to achieve liberation from this cycle by living a life of purity and detachment.
Self-discipline: Lord Mahavir believed in the importance of self-discipline and self-control as a means of achieving spiritual progress. Thus, Jains practice strict asceticism, including fasting, celibacy, and renunciation of material possessions.
Equality: Lord Mahavir taught that all human beings are equal, regardless of caste, gender, or social status. He highlights the importance of treating others with respect and compassion and advocates for social justice and equality.
Truth and non-attachment: Lord Mahavir highlights the importance of truthfulness and non-attachment. Moreover, he believed that attachment to material possessions and worldly desires was the root of all suffering. Thus, Jains practice meditation and self-reflection as a means of overcoming attachment and achieving spiritual enlightenment.
10 Jain temples you must visit on Mahavir Jayanti 2023
Here are ten Jain temples that are worth visiting on Mahavir Jayanti:
Palitana Jain Temples, Gujarat: Palitana is a major pilgrimage site for Jains and is home to over 900 temples. The temples are on a hill, and the climb to the top is a sacred pilgrimage.
Dilwara Jain Temples, Rajasthan: Located in the town of Mount Abu, the Dilwara temples are known for their intricate marble carvings and exquisite architecture.
Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan: This temple is one of the most important Jain temples in India and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
Shikharji Jain Temples, Jharkhand: Shikharji is a major pilgrimage site for Jains and is home to several temples dedicated to Lord Mahavir.
Girnar Jain Temples, Gujarat: The temples at Girnar are located on a hill and are known for their intricate carvings and stunning architecture.
Nakoda Jain Temple, Rajasthan: This temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanath and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
Gommateshwara Jain Temple, Karnataka: This temple is dedicated to Lord Bahubali and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
Sonagiri Jain Temple, Madhya Pradesh: This temple complex is located on a hill and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views.
Jain Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh: The Jain temple in Khajuraho is known for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture.
Digambar Jain Temple, Delhi: This temple is one of the oldest and most important Jain temples in Delhi and is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
These Jain temples are not only important pilgrimage sites for Jains but also offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and architectural heritage of India.
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