Mahavir Jayanti is a significant day for the Jain community from all over the world. It will be celebrated on April 10th of this year. This day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the last Tirthankara, meaning saviour and spiritual teacher in Jainism, and it is one of the most important days for them. Several banks across states will be closed on this day. Celebrated on the 13th day of Chaitra month according to the Hindu calendar, the date varies each year. Mahavir Jayanti is also known as Mahaveer Janma. Here is the importance of the festival.
Who Was Lord Mahavira?
Born in 599 BC in Kundagram, present-day Bihar, Lord Mahavir was the son of Queen Trishala and King Siddhartha. He took over the kingdom and ruled it for over 30 years and was known for his wisdom and compassion. However, after ruling for over three decades, Lord Mahavira had an inner calling to leave the luxuries of life and go on a spiritual journey. He sought the route of enlightenment and the true meaning of existence. This marked the beginning of his becoming the founder of Jainism.
He was a strong advocate for non-violence and compassion towards all living beings. His teaching preached the importance of loving and respecting every form of life, from micro-organisms to large multicelled creatures. This ultimately led to the rise of Jainism. After many years of rigorous meditation and penance, Lord Mahavira achieved Kevala Jnana. This is the highest level of spiritual enlightenment in Jainism.
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Significance Of Mahavir Jayanti
This is an occasion to celebrate the birth of Lord Mahavir and his teachings. Jains across the world go to temples to offer prayers and seek blessings. It is marked by elaborate processions, bhajans, and spiritual discourses, which are conducted to propagate the teachings of Lord Mahavir. This day is also an occasion to remember his teachings and reflect on his philosophy to lead a simple life, free from materialistic possessions.
Celebrations
This significant day for Jains is celebrated worldwide with great devotion. While festivities do vary across regions, common practices include carrying an idol of Lord Mahavir on a chariot, known as rath yatra. People sing devotional songs or bhajans in praise of his contributions to Jainism. The idol is given a ceremonial bath, signifying purification.
Bank Holiday
Mahavir Jayanti is on April 10th, a Thursday, according to the public holiday list shared by the states and the central government. According to the RBI list, banks will remain closed in the following cities: Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Belapur, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, and Raipur.
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