Mahavir Jayanti 2024: Teachings, 5 Vows & Global Celebration

Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival celebrated by the Jain community worldwide, commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara (ford-maker or spiritual guide) of Jainism. This year, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on April 21, 2024.

Lord Mahavira, whose birth name was Vardhamana, was born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama, a small village near Vaishali in Bihar, India. He was born into a royal family, with his father, King Siddhartha, and mother, Queen Trishala, ruling the Kshatriya clan of the Jnata people.

At the age of 30, Lord Mahavira renounced his kingdom, family, and worldly duties to seek inner peace and enlightenment. He spent 12 years meditating and leading an ascetic life, after which he attained Kevala Jnana (supreme knowledge) and became a Tirthankara, the highest spiritual status in Jainism.

Mahavir Jayanti holds immense significance for the Jain community as it celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, who propagated the core teachings of Jainism, including Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-attachment). These principles form the foundation of Jain philosophy and spiritual practice.

Teachings and Principles of Lord Mahavira

Lord Mahavira's teachings and principles have had a profound impact on the Jain community and continue to guide their spiritual and ethical principles. His core teachings emphasize non-violence, compassion, and the importance of leading a simple and austere life.

The five main vows of Jainism, known as the Panca Mahavrata, were emphasized by Lord Mahavira. These vows include:

1.  Ahimsa (Non-violence): Refraining from causing harm to any living being, including animals, plants, and microscopic organisms.

2.  Satya (Truth): Honesty in thoughts, words, and actions, and avoiding any form of deception or falsehood.

3.  Asteya (Non-stealing): Respecting the property and possessions of others and not taking anything that is not willingly given.

4.  Brahmacharya (Chastity): Practicing self-control and restraint in sexual relations, as well as controlling other sensual desires.

5.  Aparigraha (Non-attachment): Detaching oneself from material possessions and developing a sense of non-attachment to worldly objects.

Lord Mahavira's teachings also emphasized the principles of non-absolutism, non-possessiveness, and non-violence towards all living beings. He advocated for a path of self-discipline, meditation, and spiritual purification to attain enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

These principles have shaped the Jain way of life, promoting compassion, non-violence, and respect for all forms of life. They serve as a constant reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature and all living beings.

Celebrations and Rituals

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with great reverence and joy by the Jain community across the world. The festivities surrounding this occasion are marked by various rituals, ceremonies, and cultural events that reflect the teachings and principles of Lord Mahavira.

One of the most significant aspects of the celebrations is the organization of grand processions, known as "Rath Yatras." During these processions, beautifully adorned chariots carry idols or images of Lord Mahavira through the streets, accompanied by devotees singing hymns, reciting prayers, and offering flowers and other offerings.

Within Jain temples, special pujas (prayers) and rituals are performed, including the ceremonial bathing of Lord Mahavira's idol with milk, water, and other sacred offerings. Devotees gather to recite sacred texts, engage in meditation, and participate in discourses and sermons delivered by Jain monks and scholars.

Acts of charity and philanthropy are also emphasized during Mahavir Jayanti, reflecting Lord Mahavira's teachings on compassion and non-violence. Jain communities often organize food distribution drives, donate clothing and other necessities to those in need, and participate in various social welfare activities.

Cultural programs, such as dance performances, plays, and exhibitions, are also organized to celebrate the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira. These events serve as a means to educate and inspire people, particularly the younger generation, about the principles of Jainism and the importance of leading a virtuous life.

Global Significance and Impact

While Mahavir Jayanti is primarily celebrated by the Jain community, its significance and impact extend far beyond the boundaries of religion and culture. The principles and teachings of Lord Mahavira hold universal relevance and resonate with people from diverse backgrounds.

The emphasis on non-violence, compassion, and respect for all life forms is a message that resonates deeply in today's world, where conflicts, violence, and environmental degradation continue to be major challenges. Lord Mahavira's teachings serve as a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature and embracing a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Furthermore, the principles of truth, non-stealing, and non-attachment are values that are applicable to individuals and societies alike. They promote ethical behavior, respect for others' rights, and a sense of detachment from material possessions, which can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence.

The global observance of Mahavir Jayanti also serves to raise awareness about the Jain community and its rich cultural heritage. It fosters intercultural dialogue, understanding, and appreciation for the diversity of beliefs and traditions that shape our world.

Moreover, the celebrations of Mahavir Jayanti serve as a platform for the Jain community to share their message of peace, non-violence, and environmental consciousness with the wider world. Through various outreach programs, educational initiatives, and community events, the teachings of Lord Mahavira are disseminated, inspiring people to embrace a more compassionate and sustainable way of life.

In essence, Mahavir Jayanti transcends religious boundaries and serves as a reminder of the universal values of non-violence, compassion, and respect for all life – values that hold the key to creating a more harmonious and sustainable world.