Mahavir Jayanti 2023 Significance

Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Celebration of Birth of Lord Mahavira

Mahavir Jayanti is an important religious festival celebrated by the Jain community to mark the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. This year, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on 4 April 2023. It is a day of great importance and is celebrated with utmost devotion and enthusiasm by Jains all over the world.

Who was Lord Mahavir?

Lord Mahavira was born in 599 BC in the present day state of Bihar, India. He was the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Lord Mahavira renounced his worldly possessions at the age of 30 to become an ascetic and spent the next 12 years in meditation and penance to attain enlightenment. He traveled extensively across India to spread his teachings of nonviolence, compassion and self-control. The teachings of Lord Mahavira are recorded in Jain scriptures called Agamas.

Mahavir Jayanti
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How is Mahavir Jayanti celebrated?

Mahavir Jayanti is a day of great importance to the Jain community and the celebration usually begins with ceremonial flag-hoisting at Jain temples. The festivities include special prayers, meditation and offerings of sweets and fruits to the idol of Lord Mahavira. Devotees also participate in processions, sing hymns and read holy texts. The celebrations culminate in a grand feast called “Mahavir Swami Bhandara”, where food is served to people of all religions and castes.

The celebrations of Mahavir Jayanti begin with a procession known as Prabhat Pheri, which takes place early in the morning. Devotees carry the idol of Lord Mahavir on a decorated chariot or palanquin and sing bhajans and hymns in his praise. The procession is accompanied by drummers, dancers, and musicians and makes its way through the streets, spreading the message of peace and harmony.

In Jain temples, special prayers and rituals are performed on the day of Mahavir Jayanti. The idols of Lord Mahavir are bathed with milk and honey and decorated with flowers and clothes. Devotees offer sweets, fruits and other offerings to the Lord and listen to discourses on his life and teachings.

The festival also provides an opportunity for Jains to reflect on the teachings of Lord Mahavira and reinforce their commitment to live a life of non-violence, truthfulness and compassion towards all living beings. Many Jains observe a day-long fast on Mahavir Jayanti, while others engage in works of charity and social service.

Significance of Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti is a day of great significance for Jains as it celebrates the birth of their most revered spiritual leader. Lord Mahavira’s teachings of non-violence, truthfulness and compassion towards all beings are considered timeless and relevant even today. Mahavir Jayanti is also an occasion for Jains to reaffirm their commitment to follow these teachings and strive towards attaining spiritual enlightenment.

One of the most important rituals associated with lord Mahavira Jayanti is the charitable act of giving alms or donations to the poor and needy. This is seen as a way of following Lord Mahavir’s teachings of compassion and selflessness.

Lord Mahavira Jayanti is also an occasion for introspection and self-reflection for the followers of Jainism. It is a time to renew their commitment to the principles of non-violence, truthfulness and self-control that are at the core of their faith.

conclusion

Lord Mahavira Jayanti is a day of utmost importance for Jains all over the world. It is a day to celebrate the birth of Lord Mahavira and reflect on his teachings of non-violence, truthfulness and compassion towards all living beings. The festival provides an opportunity for Jains to strengthen their faith, renew their commitment to their spiritual practices and spread the message of peace and harmony. Let us celebrate lord Mahavira Jayanti with all the Jain community and imbibe the teachings of Lord Mahavir in our lives.

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