Nation Celebrates Mahavir Jayanti with Devotion and Festivities

Why in the News ?

India observed Mahavir Jayanti 2025, marking the 2623rd birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, with spiritual fervor and vibrant celebrations across states, especially in Maharashtra.

Nation Celebrates Mahavir Jayanti with Devotion and Festivities

Significance of the Occasion:

  • Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the last and 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
  • The day holds immense spiritual and cultural value for Jains across the globe.
  • It emphasizes the core Jain principles of non-violence, truth, compassion, and spiritual awakening.

Nationwide Celebrations

  • The festival was celebrated across India, especially in Maharashtra, with enthusiasm and religious fervor.
  • Jain devotees took part in prayer meetings, religious discourses, and community feasts.
  • Rituals included chanting mantras, offering prasad, and participating in chariot processions (rath yatras) to honor Mahavir Swami.

Expressions of Faith

  • Temples and community centers were decorated with flowers and lights, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere.
  • The faithful reaffirmed Mahavir’s teachings, focusing on ahimsa (non-violence) and inner discipline.
  • The occasion served as a reminder to live a virtuous life in service of humanity and truth.

Historical Background of Lord Mahavir & Jainism :

Life and Legacy of Lord Mahavir

●      Born in 599 BCE in Kundalagrama, Vaishali (Bihar) as Vardhamana.

●      Son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala.

●      Renounced worldly life at age 30 in search of truth.

●      Practised deep meditation, penance, and self-discipline for 12 years.

●      Attained Kevala Jnana (supreme knowledge) and preached spiritual liberation.

●      Added Brahmacharya (celibacy) to Jainism’s core vows.

●      Attained Moksha (liberation) at age 72 in 527 BCE.

●      Known for qualities like:

○       Equanimity

○       Tolerance of pain

○       Rigorous penance

○       Undisturbed meditation

Jainism: Principles and Practices

●      Jain = follower of a Jina (conqueror of desires).

●      Preaches ahimsa (non-violence) as its core tenet.

●      The 5 Mahavratas (Great Vows):

○       Ahimsa (Non-violence)

○       Satya (Truth)

○       Asteya (Non-stealing)

○       Aparigraha (Non-possession)

○       Brahmacharya (added by Mahavira)

●      Triratna (Three Jewels) of Jainism:

○       Samyak Darshana (Right faith)

○       Samyak Jnana (Right knowledge)

○       Samyak Charitra (Right conduct)

Beliefs, Sects, and Modern Legal Debate:

●      Jainism believes all entities possess life, including stones and water.

●      Promotes asceticism, penance, and freedom from karma cycle.

●      Divided into Shvetambara (white-clad) and Digambara (sky-clad) sects.

●      Santhara/Sallekhana: ritual of fasting unto death.

●      Declared illegal by Rajasthan HC (Nikhil Soni case); matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court.