Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. It is one of the biggest Jain festivals in India.


Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti celebrating the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankar, falls during the period between March & April as per the Gregorian calendar. The date of Lord Mahavira remains in ambiguity, whereas the Digambar school of Jainism believes that Mahavira was born in 615 BC, Swetambaras believe the year to be 599 BC. For the Jains, Mahavir Jayanti is the most important festival and they celebrate with great gusto and devotion. The temples all over India are magnificently decorated and innumerable devotees pour in to pray and seek the blessings of Mahavira. On the occasion, the devotees all around the country offer bath and 'abhishek' to the prophet's idol. At places chariot processions are organized, which huge numbers of devotees join and chant their prayers. Luscious delicacies are also prepared on this occasion and alms are offered to the poor.

During the festival several sermons are held in shrines or temples all over the country and Jain saints preach the lessons of salvation and virtue. People meet each other, send gifts and greetings to their loved ones on this occasion and express their love and best wishes. Fast are observed and Jains spend the day in all sorts of religious and charitable activities. The celebrations in states of Gujarat and Rajasthan attain special significance for the presence of two of the ancient Jain shrines at Girnar and Palitana. In Kolkata the celebration Parasnath temple are worth visiting and devotees and tourist gather in large numbers too witness the grandeur and the magnificence of the festivities. At Pawapuri in Bihar, Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated in a grand style where people come to listen to the preaching of great Jain saints who teach the philosophies and ideals of Mahavira and steer people in the path of righteousness and virtue.

Jainism in India
Jainism is one of the most ancient religions in India and is the sixth-largest religion practiced in the country. This religion is an independent one and is revealed to have been in existence in every cyclic period of the universe. Jain Prophets, also known as 'Teerthankaras' spread the teachings of Jainism

Significance of Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is the most important Jain festival, which is celebrated in the most religious manner. This unique day is to venerate the birth of Lord Mahavir, who practiced Jainism and he is one of the most honorable saints to have ever existed on this planet. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with humility

Teachings of Lord Mahavir
Lord Mahavir is the last 'Teerthankara' or Jain Prophet last of the 24 Teerthankaras to have ever born on Earth. Born to parents Siddhartha and Trishala, Lord Mahavir was raised as a prince and he was known for his bravery and wisdom. As the age of 30, Lord Mahavir renounced all worldly pleasures and pursued