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.

Various cultural programs and activities are organized in the evening and on these ten days, Jain followers keep fast and basic qualities of Jain religion are brought to light too.

The festival lasts till Anant Chaturdashi and special rituals of idols takes place on that day. The last day is known as Apology Day or Forgiveness day where the people apologize to each other and follow the basic principle of Jainism.

To make his soul pure, Mr. Devendra Kumar Jain, a resident of Jawahar Nagar, has also observed fast for about 40 days.
The Jain temples at Hisar are located at Nagori Gate, Gandhi Chowk, and Jahaj pul and in every temple, the Daslakshan Parav is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

According to Mahavira one should not accumulate bad karmas which are the main cause of human delusion and suffering and lead to the vicious cycle of life and death and continues till one is liberated. If you want to get anything in your life, get it through dedication and power.

Mahavir Jayanti  is an auspicious occasion for the Jain community. Followers visit the Jain temples and offer abhishek  to the idol. Temples are decorated with flags to mark the birth anniversary of lord Mahavira.