Short Essay On Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is a significant festival celebrated by the Jain community to mark the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism. This festival is celebrated on the 13th day of the rising moon in the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra (March-April).
Mahavir Jayanti is an occasion to pay tribute to Lord Mahavir and his teachings of non-violence, truth, and compassion. Jains observe this festival by fasting, offering prayers, and participating in religious ceremonies. They visit Jain temples and participate in religious processions, carrying images of Lord Mahavir and chanting prayers.
The teachings of Lord Mahavir are still relevant in modern times and are considered a source of inspiration for many people. His philosophy of non-violence, truth, and compassion has influenced many thinkers and continues to inspire people around the world. The principle of non-violence is central to Jainism and is considered the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Mahavir Jayanti is an occasion for Jains to come together and celebrate their faith. It is a time for introspection and reflection on the teachings of Lord Mahavir and to strive to live by his principles. The festival also serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, non-violence, and compassion in our lives.
In conclusion, Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival celebrated by the Jain community to commemorate the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara. It is a time to pay tribute to his teachings of non-violence, truth, and compassion and to celebrate the Jain faith. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, non-violence, and compassion in our lives and is a source of inspiration for many people.
Long Essay On Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important celebrations in Jainism. It marks the birth anniversary of Mahavira, a spiritual leader who founded Jainism and propagated its fundamental principles. In this blog post, you can read about the significance of Mahavir Jayanti and how people celebrate it. You will also learn about what makes it so unique and special to followers of Jainism, as well as some tips for writing an essay on this special occasion!
Introduction
Mahavir Jayanti is the most important religious festival of the Jain community. It celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Avasarpini (present half cycle of time).
Lord Mahavira was born in 599 B.C. in the town of Vaishali, which is near Patna, Bihar. He was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. His upbringing was done according to the traditions of the time, but he was always inclined towards spiritualism and asceticism from a young age.
At the age of 30, he left his home and family to lead an ascetic life dedicated to attaining truth and enlightenment. After twelve years of meditation and penance, Lord Mahavira attained ‘Kevalgyan’, or perfect knowledge at the age of 42. His teachings are recorded in Jain Agamas, Siddhanta texts, scriptures, and commentaries on them in Jain literature.
Mahavir Jayanti commemorates this event as it marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira who brought forth a unique spiritual philosophy that has been guiding millions for thousands of years. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Jains all over India for two days — Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (first day) and Chaitra Shukla Dwitiya (second day). On this occasion religious discourses are held across temples , homes, and other religious places. Traditional Jain rituals are followed on this day such as special prayer gatherings, recitation of scriptures, taking bath in Krishna or Ganga river, offering of food to the needy, and donating money to charities.
Who Was Mahavir Jayanti?
Mahavir Jayanti is the most important religious festival for Jains. It celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. Mahavira was born in 599 BCE in what is now Bihar, India. His birthday falls on the 13th day of the rising moon in the month of Chaitra (March–April).
Jains believe that Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara. A Tirthankara is a human being who has attained perfect knowledge and spiritual liberation. He teaches the path to salvation from rebirth and suffering. Mahavira’s teachings formed the basis of Jainism, which is one of India’s oldest religions.
During Mahavir Jayanti, Jains perform special prayers and rituals. They also listen to religious discourses and recite holy texts. Many Jains take a vow of ahimsa (nonviolence) on this day. Ahimsa is an important principle of Jainism. It involves refraining from harming any living creature, including oneself.
Mahavir Jayanti is a public holiday in some Indian states, such as Maharashtra and Karnataka. In 2020, it will be observed on April 6th.
What is the Significance of Mahavir Jayanti?
Mahavir Jayanti is the most important festival of the Jain community. It commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of the present age (Avasarpiṇī). He was born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama, Bihar, India. His birth anniversary is celebrated as per the Luni-Solar calendar on 13th day of rising moon in Chaitra month.
This festival has great religious and spiritual significance for the followers of Jainism. On this day, they remember and pay homage to Lord Mahavira and his teachings. They reaffirm their commitment to follow the path of truth, non-violence and compassion. The celebrations include processions, special prayers, recitation of holy scriptures, singing devotional songs and sharing Mahavira’s preachings with others.
Mahavir Jayanti also promotes social harmony as it reminds people of the shared values and common goal of peace and happiness for all. It is a reminder that despite our differences, we are all equal members of one human family.
History and Traditions of Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is a religious festival celebrated by Jains all over the world to commemorate the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Avasarpiṇī. It falls on the 13th day of the bright half of the lunar month of Chaitra (March–April). This year, it will be celebrated on 3rd April 2019.
Lord Mahavira was born in 599 BCE in village Kundagrama, now known as Basokund in Vaishali district of Bihar state in India. He was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala. He belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty and was a cousin of Lord Buddha. At the age of 30, he left his home in pursuit of spiritual truth and became an ascetic. For 12 years, he practiced severe penance and self-restraint. He attained enlightenment at the age of 42 and spent rest of his life propagating Jainism. He preached about ahimsa (nonviolence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity) and aparigraha (non-attachment). After preaching for 42 years, he achieved moksha (liberation from cycle of births and deaths) at the age of 72 in 527 BCE at Pawapuri in present-day Bihar state.
Jains celebrate Mah avir Jayanti with great enthusiasm. They offer prayers at temples and recite scriptures. Some followers even observe fast for the entire day. The temples are beautifully decorated with flowers, lights and flags. Devotees take part in religious processions carrying flags bearing symbols of Jainism such as the Swastika, a symbol of auspiciousness, and Dhvaja (flag) representing Lord Mahavira’s spiritual victory. Prayers are offered to statues of Lord Mahavira at various temples.
Mahavir Jayanti is also celebrated by Jains in many other countries such as U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and Japan. In recent years, some non-Jains have also started celebrating this festival to show solidarity towards the Jain community.
Celebrating Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is a special day for Jains all over the world. It is the day when Mahavira, the last Tirthankara was born. Jains celebrate this day by fasting, doing good deeds and visiting temples.
This year, Mahavir Jayanti falls on the 15th of April. On this day, Jains will wake up early and take a holy dip in a river or pond. They will then offer prayers and do charitable acts like giving food to the needy.
In the evening, Jains will gather at temples or homes to listen to religious discourses and sing devotional songs. Many will also stay up all night, praying and meditating on Mahavira’s teachings.
On Mahavir Jayanti, let us remember the great sage’s message of compassion and tolerance. Let us also resolve to follow his path of truth and non-violence.
Conclusion
Mahavir Jayanti is a time to celebrate the legacy of Lord Mahavir and his teachings of ahimsa, truth, non-violence and peace. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how Lord Mahavir’s life has shaped us as individuals and society at large. We hope that by learning more about this great man we can use his teachings in our daily lives so that we can make the world a better place for everyone. May all those who observe this day be blessed with joy, peace and prosperity!
Manisha Dubey Jha is a skilled educational content writer with 5 years of experience. Specializing in essays and paragraphs, she’s dedicated to crafting engaging and informative content that enriches learning experiences.