Mahavir Jayanti 2024: Jains to Celebrate Birth of Lord Mahavira on April 21

Mahavir Jayanti, the auspicious festival commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, will be observed on April 21, 2024. Jains around the world are preparing to celebrate the occasion with great fervor and devotion, engaging in prayers, rituals, and reflection on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira.

Lord Mahavira was born in 599 BCE in Kundalagrama, Bihar, to King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala. At the age of 30, he renounced his royal life to seek inner peace and spiritual enlightenment. After 12 years of rigorous penance and meditation, Mahavira attained omniscience or Kevala Jnana at the age of 42. He spent the rest of his life preaching his philosophy and guiding people towards the path of righteousness and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

The teachings of Lord Mahavira emphasize the principles of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment). These timeless values continue to inspire millions of Jains worldwide and remain highly relevant in today's world. Mahavir Jayanti serves as a reminder for Jains to incorporate these teachings into their daily lives, practice compassion towards all living beings, and cultivate a spirit of tolerance and understanding.

Why this matters: The celebration of Mahavir Jayanti not only holds spiritual importance for the Jain community but also promotes universal values of non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion. In a world often marred by conflict and intolerance, the teachings of Lord Mahavira serve as a guiding light and a call for harmony among all people, regardless of their faith or background.

On Mahavir Jayanti, Jain temples across India are decorated with colorful lights and flowers, and devotees gather to offer prayers, perform rituals, and listen to discourses on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira. Many Jains also engage in charitable activities, such as distributing food and essential items to the needy, as a way of embodying the principle of compassion and service to others.

The Jal Mandir or Water Temple in Pawapuri, Bihar, where Lord Mahavira attained moksha (salvation), holds special significance on this day. The temple houses an idol of Lord Mahavira and his 'Charan Paduka' or foot impression, which is revered by Jain devotees. Other notable Jain temples, known for their intricate architecture and scenic locations, such as the Dilwara Jain Temple in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, and the Shikharji temple in Jharkhand, also witness large gatherings of devotees on Mahavir Jayanti.

As Jains worldwide prepare to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the festival of Mahavir Jayanti serves as an occasion for spiritual renewal, self-reflection, and reaffirmation of the core values of Jainism. The teachings of Lord Mahavira, emphasizing non-violence, truthfulness,

Key Takeaways

• Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavira, 24th Jain Tirthankara.
• Lord Mahavira attained enlightenment at age 42 and preached non-violence, truth, and compassion.
• Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with prayers, rituals, and charitable activities by Jains.
• Jain temples like Pawapuri and Dilwara witness large gatherings on Mahavir Jayanti.
• The festival promotes universal values of non-violence, truthfulness, and harmony among all.