Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is an important event in Jainism that commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara (enlightened teacher) of the Jain religion. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and pomp by Jain devotees worldwide.
Lord Mahavira was born in Vaishali, present-day Bihar, India, on the thirteenth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra (usually falling in March or April) in 599 BCE. His birth is considered an auspicious event in Jainism.
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Astrologers predicted that the child born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala would become a great saint and eventually a Tirthankara, a spiritual teacher who guides others towards righteousness.
Queen Trishala had several vivid and auspicious dreams during her pregnancy, which included:
The birth of Lord Mahavira was marked by grand celebrations in the palace. King Siddhartha ordered the release of prisoners and the feeding of the poor in honor of his son’s birth. Queen Trishala experienced no pain, and the child, named Vardhamana, emerged clean and pure.
Vardhamana, blessed with intelligence, compassion, and spiritual inclination, spent his childhood learning from various gurus, mastering warfare, and studying scriptures. He was married to Yashoda and had a daughter named Anojja. At the age of 30, he renounced family life to pursue his spiritual journey.
Lord Mahavira, a great ascetic and philosopher, preached key principles of Jainism, including:
Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is celebrated by Jains in India and other countries with cultural events, processions, and exhibitions. Devotees visit temples, offer prayers, perform charitable acts, observe fasts, meditate, and listen to discourses on Lord Mahavira’s life and teachings.
Jain devotees decorate temples, light lamps, and organize religious processions. They also participate in cultural events and perform charitable acts to honor Lord Mahavira’s birth.
The festival celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira and serves as a reminder of his teachings on non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion. It creates awareness about Jainism and its philosophy.
The festival rekindles devotion and faith, allowing Jains to reconnect with their spiritual roots and recommit to the path of spirituality.
The festival promotes Lord Mahavira’s teachings of ahimsa (non-violence), reinforcing the message of peace and harmony in society.
The festival brings the Jain community together through temple visits, processions, and cultural events, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.
Many Jains observe fasts and perform charitable acts to express gratitude and contribute to societal welfare.
Lord Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, introduced Ahimsa, but Lord Mahavira popularized it and made it a central tenet of Jain philosophy.
Lord Mahavira is believed to have fasted for 30 consecutive days on several occasions.
Lord Mahavira developed Jain logic and philosophy, known as Syadavada or Anekantavada.
He is often depicted sitting on a lion’s throne, symbolizing his spiritual power and authority.
Lord Mahavira achieved Nirvana at the age of 72, attaining complete liberation from the cycle of birth and death.