Mahavir Janma Kalyanak

Vardhaman Keezhakuyilkudi

Sixteen Symbolic Dreams

Thirakoil-mahaaveerar

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is one of the most important religious festivals in Jainism. It celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of the present time cycle. Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was born into a royal family in the kingdom of Vaishali, located in the modern state of Bihar, India, in the 6th century BCE. The festival occurs on the 13th day of the rising half of the moon in the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar, which typically falls in March or April of the Gregorian calendar.

Significance

The day is marked by prayers, vratas (fasts), Dharma discussions, and readings of the teachings of Mahavira. Devotees visit temples dedicated to Mahavira to perform ceremonial baths (abhisheka) of Mahavira's idols with milk, water, and other offerings. The event is also characterized by charitable acts, such as giving food to the poor and donations to temples and spiritual leaders. Mahavir Janma Kalyanak underscores the core Jain values of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment).

Celebrations

Celebrations of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak are widespread across India and in countries with significant Jain communities. The day begins with a prabhat pheri, a morning procession, in many communities. Statues of Mahavira are given a ceremonial bath called the 'abhishek', followed by pujas and readings from the Jain scriptures. Temples are decorated, and religious ceremonies are held in honor of Mahavira. In addition to religious rituals, cultural programs, such as plays and music performances depicting the life and teachings of Mahavira, are organized.

Historical Context

Mahavira was born as a prince in 599 BCE (according to the Swetambar sect) or 615 BCE (according to the Digambar sect) but renounced his royal life at the age of 30 to seek spiritual awakening. After 12 years of intense meditation and ascetic practices, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). He spent the next 30 years of his life preaching the eternal truth of the universe across the Indian subcontinent. His teachings laid the foundation for Jainism as it is known today.

Legacy

Mahavira's teachings emphasize the importance of self-restraint, penance, and non-violence towards all living beings. He advocated for a life of simplicity and detachment from material possessions. Mahavira's message of peace and non-violence has resonated through centuries, influencing not just Jain philosophy but also inspiring leaders like Mahatma Gandhi in their struggle for non-violent social change.

See Also

• Jain festivals
• Tirthankara
• Ahimsa in Jainism
• Jain cosmology