Mahavir Jayanti is one the religious occasion that symbolizes the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24^thTirthankara of Jainism. According to the Georgian calendar, Mahavir Jayanti generally falls in March or April on the 13th ‘Sudi’ day of the Chaitra month of the Jain calendar. This year Mahavir Jayanti  is on 6 April 2020. Mahavir Jayanti is also known as Veer Teras.

Who is Lord Mahavir?

Lord Mahavira was born in Bihar in 599 BC to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala on the bright thirteenth day of the moon in the month of Chaitra. It is believed that Lord Mahavira was conceived by Devananda, and by the miracle of God, the fetus was transferred to the womb of Trishala. Before the birth of Lord Mahavira, astrologers predicted that the child would either be an emperor or a ‘Teerthankara’, and indeed the child became a great man, who neglected all pleasures of the world and became a monk at the age of 30.He was the preacher of Jainism and he followed the footsteps of Teerthankara Parshvanatha.

Significance of Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti is the day of Lord Mahavir’s birth and is celebrated with humility and ease. Lord Mahavir lived as a prince but in his early days, he developed a deep interest in Jainism and start meditating. At the age of 30 he gives up his throne and family to seek the spiritual path and spent 12 years as a monk. Lord Mahavira developed a five-fold path ‘Ahimsa’, ‘Asteya’, ‘Brahmacharya’, ‘Satya’ and ‘Aparigraha’. Lord Mahavir expressed his teachings based on scientific interpretations of nature and life. His teachings are still practiced today not only by Jain communities but others as well.

How Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated by carrying out peaceful processions of Lord Mahavira. People visit Jain temples, which are decorated with flags and offer ceremonial bath to the idol of Mahavir known as ‘Abhishek’. The teachings of the Lord Mahavir are reiterated through speeches. Money, food, and clothing are donated to the poor, which is an important custom performed on this special occasion. Lord Mahavir made Jainism simple and free from various ritual complexities. He inspired many to follow his path. His message and teachings regarding universal love will always last forever.