Enlightenment Be Bestowed on Humanity: Happy Mahavir Jayanti!
Mahavir Jayanti is the most important festival of Jainism religion. Mahavir, also known as Vardhamana, is the last and the 24th Teerthankara (Jain Prophet). He was born to the king of Kaundinyapura (Bihar) namely Siddhartha and his queen Trishala Devi. Being born to a family of ardent devotees, Mahavir was nurtured towards spirituality from early life.
It is said that before his birth Trishala Devi had many auspicious dreams that denoted a birth of a great leader. Mahavir was born on the thirteenth day of the rising moon of Chaitra somewhere in the 599 BCE. This is the day celebrated as Mahavir Jayanti. He is claimed to be one of the greatest prophets of peace and social reformation in the Indian history.
From early life itself he became popular for his unbeatable physical strength and intellectual sharpness and hence was termed as ‘Mahavir’ meaning the bravest. He rejected the worldly life at the age of 30. Giving up all the luxuries and worldly pleasures to attain enlightenment was not enough for him and proceeded to heal fellow humans, thus making him a great human redeemer. He introduced humanity to the five-fold path: Ahimsa (Non-violence – physical or mental – to all life forms), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (restraint in sexual pleasures) and Aparigraha (non-acquisition of property).
On this auspicious day followers of Jainism visit Jain temples, where statues of Mahavir are given a ceremonial bath called the abhishek. Recitals or seminar are also conducted in temples to preach the teachings of Mahavir. People engage in charitable acts to promote visions like saving animals from slaughter, feeding the poor, etc. Ancient Jain temples across India receive special attention on this day and large number of devotees travels to pay homage.
GreenPro India wishes you all a happy Mahavir Jayanti and may the kindness of lord always be bestowed upon you.
