Jainism: Indian Festivals - Mahavir Jayanti

The most important festival of the Jain community is Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. This is observed on the 13th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Chaitra. The day is celebrated with great zeal and devotion. People visit sacred places and worship Teerthankaras (spiritual guides) on this day.

In West India

The festival is celebrated on a large scale in Gujarat and Rajasthan where many people practice Jainism. Festivities can be witnessed at Jain shrines in Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat, at Pawanpuri in Bihar and at Parasnath temple in Calcutta.

Difference Of Opinion

According to the Digambar school of Jainism, Lord Mahavir was born in 615 B.C. The Swetambar school believes that he was born in 599 BC. Though both the sects believe that he was the son of Siddhartha and Trisala, Digambaras believe that the expectant mother had 16 auspicious dreams before the child was born while the Swetambaras believe that she had 14 dreams.

Legend

Lord Mahavir was conceived by Devananda, the wife of a Brahmin called Rishabhdeva. However, the Gods transferred the embryo to Trisala's womb. When astrologers were asked to interpret the dreams of the expectant mother, they predicted that the child would be either an emperor or a Teerthankar. Vardhaman Mahavir went on to become the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain religion. Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, is believed to have founded Jainism. At the age of 30, Mahavir became a wandering ascetic and attained enlightenment after 13 years of meditation.

Teachings Of Mahavir

Mahavir rejected the caste system prevalent in Hinduism and challenged the sanctity of the Vedas. He was a staunch believer of an extreme form of asceticism. Jain devotees are encouraged to conquer the karma-rebirth cycle. Central to the Jain philosophy is the doctrine of an extreme form of self-conquest. Jainism is regarded as the most rigorous ascetic faith in the world. The term Jaina is derived from jina , which means conqueror. Jainism teaches that there is no personal god or even a single impersonal Absolute. The stress is on the quest of the individual, who is regarded as an independent jiva (soul), towards attainment of self-perfection through tri-ratna (three jewels) of Jainism - right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.

The Concept Of Ahimsa

Jains believe in the principle of total non-violence. The monks cover their mouth and nose with a fine cloth to avoid any involuntary killing of germs. Sometimes, they carry a small broom in their hand to remove any small creature out of their way so that they may not tread on it, unknowingly. All devout Jains follow a strictly vegetarian diet.

Contribution To Culture

The Jains have constructed many magnificent temples in India, like the Dilwara temple at Mount Abu.

Celebrations:

As the emphasis is on renunciation, liberation of man from the material world, there is no exhibition of pomp and gaiety on Jain festivals. Rather, devotees spend their time in quiet introspection. Mahavir Jayanti is largely spent in prayer. In some places, peaceful processions are taken out. Children enact scenes depicting different phases of Mahavir's life. It is considered an auspicious day to embark on new ventures or for social activities. Jain devotees visit sacred places and worship the Teerthankaras or the religious gurus.