This year, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on April 4. For the Jain community, it is one of the most significant devotional celebrations. This day, also referred to as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and final Tirthankara of the current Avasarpini.

He was born on the thirteenth day of the bright half of the moon in the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar, according to Jain scriptures. It always occurs in the Gregorian calendar months of March or April. The majority of Jainists observe fasting and giving prayers on this day to commemorate the religion.

The Jain community celebrates the day by going to a shrine and offering prayers to an image of Lord Mahavir. On this day, charitable endeavours and contributions are also undertaken. Lord Mahavir, who achieved Nirvana at the age of 72, was a proponent of non-violence, a peaceful existence, and respect for all people. At the age of 30, he abdicated his throne and spent the remainder of his life as an ascetic.

History and significance of the day

In the historic realm of Vaishali, King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala gave birth to Lord Mahavira. The precise date of Mahvira’s birth is a subject of some discussion among Jains. The Swetambar Jains place his birth year at 599 BC, while the Degambar Jains place it in 615 BC. Lord Mahavira was born on the thirteenth day of the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar. 

At the age of 30, Mahavira gave up all of his material belongings and set out on the road as an ascetic in pursuit of enlightenment. According to legend, he achieved “Kevala Jnana,” or omniscience, after 12 years of exile. 

The teachings of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment were the focus of Lord Mahavira’s existence. He advocated treating all living things with love, compassion, and respect because they all have souls and should be regarded as such. He also emphasised the significance of leading a modest, peaceful, and moral existence.