New Delhi:
Mahavir Jayanti which is one of the most significant and auspicious festivals of the Jains, also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak. The occasion marks the birth of the 24th and last Tirthankar of Kalyuga, Mahavir.
Every year the holiday occurs either in March or April, the festival mainly follows the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar.
Mahavir, the great philosopher was born to king Siddhartha of Kundagrama and Queen Trishala in the year 599 BCE in the thirteenth day of the bright cycle of the moon in Chaitra.
The day celebrates the birth anniversary and spiritual teachings of Mahabir, the last savior, and teacher of the righteous path in Jainism is commemorated with great enthusiasm and zeal by the people.
According to history, Mahavir was the guide of Jains, who used to show them the right way of leading life.
The celebration of the great sage happens to be grand and to make this greater Jains carry out chariot procession, sing Bhajans and Shlokas praising Mahavir and visit Jain temples all over the world.
The great saint, born in a royal household is mainly known for his teaching of salvage and non-violence and always followed the footsteps of the 23rd Teerthankar Parshvanatha.
To live the life of peace and non-violence the sent advised his followers to follow the fivefold path of 'Ahimsa' (non-violence), 'Asteya' (non-stealing), 'Brahmacharya' (virtue of celibacy), 'Satya' (truth) and 'Aparigraha' (non-possessiveness) created by him.
Last but not the least, Jains worship the idol of Mahavir bathing him with milk, honey and water and they prepared meals and distributed to a large number of devotees and needy people to seek the blessings of the last Tirthankar of the religion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took to twitter on this sacred occasion of Mahavir Jayanti to wish people across the world.
"Greetings on Mahavir Jayanti. We recall the noble teachings of Lord Mahavir, which continue to guide generations", PM tweeted.
Greetings on Mahavir Jayanti. We recall the noble teachings of Lord Mahavir, which continue to guide generations.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2017