Mahaveer Jayanthi

 In Jainism Mahaveer Jannta Kalyanak is the most important religious holiday.  It celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last Thirtankara.  He was born on the 13th day of the rising moon of Chaitra in either 599 BC or 615 BC. Mahavira was the son of Sidhartha and Trisala.  According to the legend, Devananda, wife of a Brahmin named Rishabdeva conceived him.   

The gods ingeniously transferred.  The embryo to the womb of Trisala.  According to the swetanbala sect the expectant mother was to have seen 14 auspicious dreams.  And according to Digambar sect it was 16 dreams.  The astrologers interpreted these dreams.  Stated the child would be either an emperor as a Theerthankar.  When he was born 64 Indras took the new born Mahaveera to Meeru Parbath to give sacred bath with milk and other essences and celebrated the Janma Mahothsawa of Lord Mahaveera. On Mahavir Jayanthi.  Jain temples are decorated with flags in the morning the statue of Mahavira is given a ceremonial bath called the “Abhishek”.  Lord Mahavira is a ideal in Jainism who taught the world the essence of life.   

The day of his birth is celebrated in a massive procession around the cities, The Jain make offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, and water to the poor people that day.  All sections of the community participate in a grand procession.  Lectures are held to preach the path of virtue.  People meditate and offer prayers.  Donations are collected to save cows from slaughter, and help poor people by providing food pilgrims from all parts of the country visit the ancient Jain Temples at Pawapari, Kundalpar and parsvanth on this day.  Lord Mahavira was a great teacher.  His symbol is Lion.  Who taught humanity the true path of happiness on completely non-violence and the importance of austerity showed the path of achieving salvation and spirituality.