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Mahavir Jayanti
II
Mahavir Jayanti marks the
birthday of Mahavira, founder of the modern Jain religion and
the last in the galaxy of 24 Teerthankaras (Jain Prophets).He
was born on the 13th day of the rising moon of Chaitra, in
either 599 BC or 615 BC .
About Jainism
The term ‘Jain’ has been derived from Jina, which means The
Conqueror. Jainism rests on the three-fold path of right
conduct, right faith and right knowledge. It does not believe in
a single God who absolves the worshippers of their sins. It
teaches the practitioners to take complete responsibility for
their actions, thereby underlying the Karma theory. It teaches
the followers to live a very austere life, in an attempt to
clear their debt to mankind and also attain the highest form of
salvation.
The devout followers of this religion do not even harm a fly.
Some followers cover their mouths with a tiny cloth, in order to
avoid the slightest possibility of killing of germs during
breathing. It was this doctrine of non-violence (Ahimsa) that
was adopted and popularized by Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom
struggle.
Jainism can be divided into two sects - the Shwetamabara Jains
(ones wearing simple white clothes) and the Digamabara Jains who
practice the most extreme form of ascetism by not adorning any
clothes on their bodies. Both these schools strictly follow the
teachings of Mahavira, who is known as the ‘Jina’ or the
conqueror.
About Lord Mahavir
His full name is Vardhamana Mahavir.
He was born of Sidhartha, the Raja of Kundalpura, and Queen
Trishala, who was also known by the name Priyakarni. Prince
Vardhamana became extremely penitent and resolved to give up
everything worldly. He gave up attachment to his parents,
friends and relatives. Distributing all his wealth among the
poor, he went to the forest and became a monk. Mahavir practised
rigorous austerities, including fasts that lasted many days. He
meditated on the pure nature of the Soul. Mahavir lived a life
of absolute truthfulness, a life of perfect honesty and a life
of absolute chastity.
Celebrations
Celebrations take place at Jain Temples throughout India.
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated widely throughout the Jain
community. Due to the high numbers of Jains in Rajasthan and
Gujarat, most celebrations are seen in these states.
However, those that follow Jainism travel to recognized Jain
shrines to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti. In Gujarat, the shrines
are located at Girnar and Palitana. Others flock to Mahavirji in
Rajasthan.
Lord Mahavira was born in Vaishali, which also hosts a majestic
celebration.
Temples that host Mahavir Jayanti festivals are decorated with
flags to mark the birthday of Lord Mahavira.
Each locality holds a traditional bath (abhishek) for a deity of
Lord Mahavira.
Following the bath, the deity is carried in a parade throughout
the region.
Each parade varies but generally includes drummers, horses,
elephants, singers and lamps.
Depending on the region, the parade ends at a temple, shrine or
large communal area where people may pray and meditate.
The four kinds of donations recommended for every Jain on this
day include:
Gyan daan: sharing of knowledge
Abhay daan: protecting people from bad actions
Aushad daan: donating medicines
Ahaar daan: giving food
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