Introduction
The
grand Jain festival of Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of
Mahavira, the last of the twenty-four Jain Teerthankars. The event involves
visiting of sacred sites and worshipping the Teerthankars.
Venue
The festival holds special significance in the states of Gujarat and
Rajasthan, as the ancient shrines are located at these places. It is also
celebrated, on a grand scale, at the Parasnath Temple in Kolkata and at
Pawapuri in the state of Bihar.
Time of the Year
Both the sects, Digambar and Swetambar observe the thirteenth day of the
bright half of the Chaitra month, March-April as per the English calendar,
as the birthday of Lord Mahavira.
History
Jainism has been divided into two sects- the Swetambar and the Digambar.
According to the Digambar school of Jainism, Lord Mahavira was born in the
year 615 BC, while the Swetambaras believe his year of birth to be 599 BC.
However, both the sects hold the same views that he was the son of Siddharta
and Trisala. Legend exists that he was conceived by Devanada, wife of a
Brahmin named Rishabhdeva. In an ingenious manner, the Gods transferred the
embryo to the womb of Trisala. It is believed that the expectant mother had
sixteen auspicious dreams prior to the birth of the child. The Swetambars
believe the number of dreams to be fourteen though. Prediction were given
that the child would either be an emperor or a Teerthankar.
Mahavira,
even as a boy, showed signs of absolute fearlessness. And that is how he won
himself the name 'Mahavira', meaning very valiant. Growing up as a prince,
he excelled in physical prowess and intellectual insightfulness. Though
being born in luxurious environs, he renounced the pleasures and luxuries of
the place. He gave up kingship. And for more than twelve years, he undertook
a life of utmost penance, finally becoming self-illuminated. He felt hurt
looking at the corrupted society. The true concept of Dharma had been
distorted. He attempted to simplify the religious procedures, concentrating
on the righteous conduct.
Mahavira said, "Do unto others as you would like to be done by. Injury
or violence done by you to any life in any form, animal or human, is as
harmful as it would be if caused to your own self.
Celebration
The birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira is celebrated throughout the country
by the entire community of the Jains. The festival appears to be grandest in
the state of Rajasthan and Gujarat, as the Jain community exists there in
greater number than in any other state of the country. From all across the
country, the Jains congregate in large numbers at the Girnar and Palitana
shrines in Gujarat and at Mahavirji in Rajasthan.
On the auspicious day, a grand chariot with the image of Mahavira is taken
out, followed by a huge procession. Temples hold rich ceremonies. People
observe fast and charity is observed. Jain scriptures are also read on the
day and at some places fairs are organised too.
