How do Jains practice Ahimsa on Mahavir Jayanti?

Devotees strictly avoid root vegetables, perform Jivdaya (compassion to animals) by funding cow shelters (gaushalas) or releasing captive animals, and ensure that celebration activities do not harm any living micro-organisms.

Jain Festivals

Mahavir Jayanti Guide: Life of Lord Mahavira, Ahimsa & Jain Traditions

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भक्ति वॉइस

Celebrated on the 13th day of the bright half of the Hindu/Jain month of Chaitra.

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Mahavir Jayanti, traditionally known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, is the most auspicious festival for the Jain community worldwide. It celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and final Tirthankara of the present cosmic age (Avasarpini). Observed on the 13th day of the bright half of the Chaitra month (Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi), this holy day is a vibrant reminder of Lord Mahavira's core spiritual teachings: Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (multiplicity of views), and Aparigraha (non-attachment). Jains engage in grand processions, charitable acts, temple worship, and profound spiritual introspection to honor the path of liberation He laid down.

The story

Lord Mahavira was born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama (near modern-day Vaishali, Bihar) to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Growing up amid immense royal luxury, Prince Vardhamana realized the fleeting nature of worldly existence. At the age of 30, He renounced His kingdom, family, and wealth to become an ascetic. For twelve and a half years, He practiced intense meditation and severe austerities in deep silence, enduring physical hardships and extreme weather without reacting. Finally, He attained Kevala Jnana (infinite omniscience) and spent the rest of His life traveling barefoot, preaching the path of liberation.

Traditions

Puja at home

Frequently asked questions

What is the significance of Queen Trishala's dreams?

Before Lord Mahavira's birth, His mother Queen Trishala saw 14 (or 16 according to Digambara tradition) auspicious dreams, including an elephant, a lion, a full moon, and an ocean. Astrologers predicted these as signs of a Tirthankara or a universal monarch (Chakravartin) being born.

What does the name 'Mahavira' mean?

Born as Prince Vardhamana, He was given the title 'Mahavira' (the Great Hero) by celestial beings because of His immense courage, endurance during severe penance, and absolute conquest over inner passions like anger, ego, and greed.