Mahavir Jayanti 2020- Tales behind Festivity
Mahavir Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Mahaveer Jain. Since the olden times, people recognize this day in the form of Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak.
In accordance with the Jain mythology, Mahaveer Swami is the twenty-fourth, and the last Tirthankara (sage). It is an annual religious event that observes a viewable celebration as the birth anniversary of Mahaveer Swami. With the tradition of going to the temple and prayers offering the festivity takes place amongst the people of the Jain community. However, the country of India celebrates the occasion on a national scale.
According to the calendar, the festival takes place in Chaitra Sud Triyodashi, Vira Nirvana Samvat. In general, the occasion falls in the month of March or April in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. The sacred Jain mythology says, in the year 5999 BCE, Lord Mahavir takes birth in the month of Chaitra, on the thirteenth day of the bright half of the moon.
As the festival of Mahavir Jayanti is dedicated to the activity of spreading peace, on the day of celebration, there is a singularly peaceful environment.
People believe that on this day, Gods and Goddesses from heaven pay homage to the Tirthankara. Also, a ceremony takes place on this day in which people bathe the little Tirthankara. Later, they celebrate the festival with family and friends.
With popular recognition, the day of Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Mahavir Jain or Mahaveer Swami.
According to the tales, he takes birth to King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala of the Vaishali kingdom. With the invincible war strategies and ruling practice, he rules for over three decades in his kingdom. Afterward, he quits the position of king and chooses a life of a sage.
Mahaveer Swami sets significant marquees Jain community and he becomes the last Jain Sage, Lord Mahavir. People also recognize him with the name of Vardhamana.
Lord Mahavir gives lessons to the followers to walk the path of non-violence, truth, and harmony. As a matter of fact, he encourages peace among the public. He served a long period of his life as a sage. Nonetheless, he delivers a value system that is- Ahimsa, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Satya, and Aparigraha.
In mythological tales, Mahavir leaves the world of materials and emotions and he begins meditation. After a duration of twelve years of continuous meditation and penance under the Ashoka tree, he attains his enlightenment.
Since the day, people celebrate the birth of Jain Sage Mahaveer Swami to honor his dedication for peace and values.
People also believe that in his time, Mahaveer Swami travels across the world to deliver lessons on spirituality, peace to eradicate people’s faith is false. In his lifetime, he serves one primary goal of the establishment of moral values, peace, truthfulness, and ethics among people. Along with this, he addresses the evading violence, killing, and injustice. He spreads the benefits of observation of fast and meditation.
Till the last period his life, Lord Mahavir inspires his followers by spreading lessons about salvation and peace. Here is the five-fold value system that Lord Mahavir give-
Praying to Lord Mahavir passes institution of stillness & modesty because Lord Mahavir is popular for his kindness and welfare of general people and he dedicated his life for the establishment of fondness, accuracy, and peace among people.
In the prayers offered by Jains on the occasion, one and all don’t pray for material advantages. Nevertheless, they offer prayers and seek blessings for a happy and peaceful life. Also, devotees chant Mantras for inspiration to continue the right path which is free from miseries.
Here is a suggestion of delicious Indian food that you can include in the menu on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti-
Lord Mahavir has been a great spiritual teacher and spreader of primary factors of happiness i.e. peace and salvation.
Not just the common people but great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi followed the teachings of Lord Mahavir to win the war of freedom against British rulers. So, on his birth anniversary, the devotees reinstate their faith in humanity, truthfulness, religion, and peace and honor the greatest master of peace i.e. Mahaveer Swami.
The significance of the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti doesn’t limit to the country of India but it transpires a great celebration around the different corners of the world.
This year, the festival of Mahavir Jayanti falls on Thursday, 14th April.
Mahavir Jayanti Next Four Years-
| Day | Date | Year |
| Wednesday | 17th April | 2019 |
| Monday | 6th April | 2020 |
| Sunday | 25th April | 2021 |
| Thursday | 14th April | 2022 |
| Tuesday | 4th April | 2023 |
| Sunday | 21st April | 2024 |
| Thursday | 10th April | 2025 |
These were some major facts and information about the festival of Mahavir Jayanti and you may also like to read about ShaniJayanti- a glimpse to all one should know.
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