Mahavir Jayanti is an auspicious festival celebrated by the Jain community to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was the 24th and the last Tirthankara of Jainism. This festival is observed on the 13th day of the Chaitra month (March or April) according to the Hindu calendar, which falls in the spring season.
Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BC in Kshatriyakund, Bihar, India. He was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, and was named Vardhaman. As a young prince, he was exposed to the luxurious life of the palace, but he was inclined towards spirituality and renunciation. At the age of 30, he left his kingdom and family to lead an ascetic life, in search of the ultimate truth and enlightenment.
Lord Mahavir spent the next 12 years in deep meditation, self-discipline, and self-realization. He followed the path of non-violence, truth, and compassion, which became the core principles of Jainism. He also preached the importance of non-attachment, self-control, and self-realization. He attained enlightenment at the age of 42, which marked the beginning of his journey as a Tirthankara.
The word Tirthankara means the one who has crossed the ocean of birth and death, and has shown the path to others. Lord Mahavir was one of the greatest Tirthankaras, who propagated the principles of Jainism and laid the foundation for a peaceful and harmonious society. He lived a simple life, and his teachings emphasized the importance of austerity, simplicity, and detachment.
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the Jain community all over the world. On this day, Jains offer prayers, perform puja, and organize processions to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. They also visit Jain temples and offer donations and food to the needy. Jain monks and scholars deliver sermons and discourses on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, which inspire people to follow the path of righteousness, compassion, and non-violence.
Mahavir Jayanti is not just a festival, but a way of life for the Jain community. It reminds them of the rich cultural heritage and the noble principles of Jainism, which have stood the test of time. The festival promotes the values of peace, harmony, and compassion, which are essential for building a better world. It encourages people to follow the path of righteousness, and to live a life of simplicity, detachment, and self-realization.
In conclusion, Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was one of the greatest Tirthankaras of Jainism. The festival is an occasion for the Jain community to reflect on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, and to renew their commitment to the principles of non-violence, truth, and compassion. It is a reminder that the path to enlightenment and liberation is through self-discipline, self-realization, and detachment.