Mahavir, also known as Vardhamana, is the last and the greatest Tirthankar of the jain religion. Mahavir Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar. Mahavir was born on the 13th day of the rising moon of Chaitra, in either 599 BC or 615 BC and Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated in the first day of Bhadrapad, when there is a grand cradle procession, and a common festivity of the auspicious day.
Jainism has been divided into two sects - Shwetamabara Jains (ones wearing simple white clothes) and Digamabara Jains who practice the most extreme form of ascetism by not wearing any garments on their bodies. Both these schools strictly follow the teachings of Mahavira, known as Jinaa. In relation to Shwetamabara sect, his birth took place in 599 B.C, and Digamabara sect, his birth took place in 615 B.C.
Mahavir was taken birth to a devout couple, Siddhartha and Priyakarani or popularly Trishala Devi who were deeply permeated with the philosophy of jainism preached by Parswanatha, the 23rd Teerthankara. Siddhartha was the king of Kaundinyapura on the outskirts of Vaishali in the vicinity of Patna in Bihar .
About Jainism
The term Jain has been originated from Jina that means the Conqueror. Jainism depends on the three-fold path of right demeanor, right faith and right knowledge. It does not believe in a single God who pardons the worshippers of their sins and teaches the practitioners to take complete accountability for their actions, in that way underlying the Karma theory. It teaches the followers to live extremely ascetic life, in an effort to clear their debt to mankind and also derive the highest form of salvation. The pious followers of this religion do not even destruction a fly. Some followers cover their mouths with a diminutive cloth, with the intention of avoiding the slightest possibility of killing of germs during gulp of air. It was this doctrine of non-violence (Ahimsa) that was adopted and popularized by Nation of Father as Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle.
About Lord Mahavir
The full name Mahavir is Vardhamana Mahavir. He was born of Sidhartha, the Raja of Kundalpura, and Queen Trishala was also known by the name Priyakarni. Prince Vardhamana became extremely penitent and resolved to relinquish everything worldly. He relinquished attachment to his parents and familiars. Sharing out all his wealth among the poor, he went to the forest and became a monk. Mahavir practiced rigorous austerities, consisting of fasts that lasted many days and meditated on the sterilized nature of the Soul. Mahavir lived a life of absolute truthfulness, a life of perfect honesty and a life of downright chastity.
Celebrations of Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated widely throughout the Jain community and at Jain temples all over India . As a result of the high numbers of Jains in Rajasthan and Gujarat , most celebrations are seen in these states. Lord Mahavira was born in Vaishali, which also hosts a regal festivity. Shrines that host Mahavir Jayanti festivals are garlanded with flags to mark the birthday of Lord Mahavira. Following the bath, the deity is carried in a procession throughout the state. Apiece procession varies but generally consists of drummers, horses, elephants, singers and lamps. Relying on the region, the parade ends at a temple, shrine or large communal vicinity where people may pray and meditate.
