Mahavir Jayanti, a festival celebrating the supreme ideals and spiritual values of Jainism, will be observed across India on April 10th, 2025, with devotion, faith, and enthusiasm. This day is significant not only for the Jain community but for all humanity, commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavir Swami, a teacher of truth, non-violence, and self-discipline.
Who was Lord Mahavir?
Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BC in Kundalpur (Vaishali), Bihar, to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. From childhood, Mahavir exhibited a serious, calm, and compassionate nature. At the age of 30, he renounced worldly pleasures and embraced asceticism. He underwent rigorous penance and meditation for 12 years, ultimately attaining Kevalya Gyan (supreme knowledge). He then became known as a Tirthankara and spearheaded the resurgence of Jainism.
Significance of Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is not merely a religious festival but a day to awaken the spirit of self-restraint, co-existence, and compassion. The Jain community organizes Prabhat Feri (morning processions), Shobha Yatras (processions), collective prayers, and Dharma Sabhas (religious gatherings). Statues of Lord Mahavir are ritually bathed with milk, water, saffron, and sandalwood. Many places also hold Panchkalyanak Puja (five auspicious events) and non-violence rallies.
Five Great Principles of Mahavir Swami
Lord Mahavir taught five core principles for the spiritual development of society:
1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Compassion for all beings and abstaining from violence.
2. Satya (Truth): Adherence to truth in all circumstances.
3. Asteya (Non-stealing): Not taking what is not given.
4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy): Restraint of senses and a pure lifestyle.
5. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Detachment from material possessions and greed.
These principles are inspirational not only for Jain ascetics but also for those living ordinary lives.
What's Special This Year?
This year, Mahavir Jayanti falls on Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi, Thursday, April 10th, 2025. Significantly, many Jain organizations will jointly organize a grand procession and a mass collective forgiveness ceremony (Maasik Saamoohik Kshamavani Parv) on the same day to further strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and non-violence in society.
Mahavir Jayanti is not just a sacred day but a way of life, demonstrating that non-violence, truth, and renunciation are the greatest weapons on the path to soul purification and liberation (moksha).
