Why do we celebrate mahavir jayanti

A Tirthankar is the saviour and spiritual teacher of the Jain dharma. This term lays importance on the founder of Tirtha, who achieves enlightenment and helps others achieve the same.

As against this, Digambar Jains believe that his birth took place in BC. Lord Mahavir was born as prince Vardhamana and belonged to the Ikshvaku Dynasty. Even though he was destined to be an emperor, he left his home at the age of 30 in search of truth in the world and gave up all the worldly possessions including clothing. He lived an ordinary and ascetic life, moving from place to place, meditating and fasting. Through his travels, he learnt about the various pains and sufferings endured by humans and ultimately achieved enlightenment.

After attaining enlightenment, he continued his travels, preaching the concept of absolute freedom from the cycle of birth, life, pain, misery, and death — and how anyone can achieve Moksh.

Mahavir Jayanti is the most important day for Jains around the world. Lord Mahavir is considered one of the greatest prophets of social reform and peace around the world. He followed the footsteps of his predecessor Tirthankar Parshvanatha. Lord Mahavir based a lot of his teachings on scientific facts of nature and the true meaning of life. He founded Jainism — a simple religion, free of the various ritual intricacies and inspired many people to follow his path.

His teachings are still supported by not only Jains but also by multiple communities across the globe. On Mahavir Jayanti, people organize peaceful processions, or Rath Yatras with the idol of Lord Mahavir on chariots, horses, elephants, etc.

Parents tell many stories of Lord Mahavir to their children on this day to honour the great prophet. His teachings are conveyed through sermons performed as part of the Mahavir Jayanti celebrations. Jains around the world do a lot of charity donating money, food, and clothes to the poor — one of the essential customs in the Jain community. The idea is to eat healthy food produced naturally and avoid bringing any harm to the animals.

The teachings of Lord Mahavir about universal love continue to live and inspire thousands to this date. In India, it is considered as a national holiday to honour the birth of the great prophet and the father of Jainism. Be a part of our evergreen community by joining us on our social media channels. Your presence will only help us grow bigger and serve you better. Stay in touch and interact with us on the channels below. Adult Diapers. Foot care. Personal Care. Smart Accessories. Travel Accessories.

Bathroom Accessories. When astrologers interpreted these dreams, they predicted that the child would become either an emperor or Tirthankar, a person who achieves spiritual enlightenment. The prophecies of the astrologers came true and later he became the 24th Tirthankar. Mahavira lived as a prince. But, in his early years he developed a deep interest in the core beliefs of Jainism and started meditating.

At the age of 30, he renounced the throne and his family to seek spiritual truth and spent twelve years as an ascetic. He spent most of his time meditating and preaching non-violence to people and also showed utmost reverence to all living beings. Mahavira chose an extremely ascetic life. While enduring the penance, he controlled his senses. His courage and exemplary action in controlling the senses earned him the name Mahavira.

And he devoted the rest of his life preaching the truth of spiritual freedom. Lord Mahavir led a simple and extremely ascetic life, in which he practiced meditation. Because of his courage and praiseworthy actions, the lord earned the name Mahavir. He devoted his whole life to preaching the truth about spiritual freedom to his followers and the world. Moreover, he taught them the importance and practice of non-violence. He also introduced the concept of salvation to them.

Therefore, Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. On this day, people of the Jain community offer prayers and respect to the lord by visiting temples. Devotees also adorn them with fresh flowers and flags for the Mahavir Jayanti celebration. Idols of Lord Mahavir are applied with ceremonial anointment, called as Abhisheka.

Later on, as a part of the religious processions, those idols are carried on a chariot, which is also called as rath yatra.