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.

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Mahavira was born on the thirteenth day under the rising moon of Chaitra, in the ancient republic of Vaishali, now a district of Bihar state, India. According to the Gregorian calendar, Mahavira was born in April. His birthday is celebrated as Mahavir Jayanti. He died at Pawapuri. He was known as "Vardhamana" (increasing) because it is said that his family's wealth grew after his conception. Being the son of King Siddartha and Queen Trisala, he lived the life of a prince; but at the age of thirty, he left his family, gave up his world ...

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Mahavira, Mahavira - Overview of Mahavira's life, Mahavira - Awakening and enlightenment, Mahavira - Honours, Mahavira - Quotes, Mahavira - Footnotes

Read more here: » Mahavira: Encyclopedia II - Mahavira - Overview of Mahavira's life

Mahavira (वर्धमान महावीर) or Mahavir (the "Great Hero" -- Also, Vardhamana (increasing) or Niggantha Nathaputta -- 599 BC-527 BC, though possibly 549 BC-477 BC) was the 24th, and last, Jainist Tirthankara. Mahavira established what are today considered to be the central tenets of Jainism and was a contemporary of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Mahavira - Overview of Mahavira's life. Mahavira was born on the thirteenth day under ...

Including:

• Mahavira - Overview of Mahavira's life
• Mahavira - Awakening and enlightenment
• Mahavira - Honours
• Mahavira - Quotes
• Mahavira - Footnotes

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Bihar (बिहार in Devanagari) is a state of the Indian union situated in the eastern part of the country. Its capital is Patna. Etymologically, the name Bihar derives from the Sanskrit Vihara which means abode. The Buddhist Vihara, which were the abode of the Buddhist monks, dotted the area in the ancient and medieval periods. To Bihar's north is the Kingdom of Nepal. On its other three sides Bihar is surrounded by the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south and Wes ...

Including:

• Bihar - History
• Bihar - Ancient
• Bihar - Medieval
• Bihar - Modern
• Bihar - Timelines
• Bihar - Geography & climate
• Bihar - Economy
• Bihar - Government & politics
• Bihar - Administrative
• Bihar - Transport & travel
• Bihar - Places to See
• Bihar - Culture
• Bihar - Festivals
• Bihar - Folksongs & music
• Bihar - Dances of Bihar
• Bihar - Language & Literature
• Bihar - Folk Theatre
• Bihar - Cinema
• Bihar - Cuisine
• Bihar - Art
• Bihar - Education
• Bihar - Schools
• Bihar - Universities & colleges

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Jainism (pronounced in English as /ˈdʒeɪ.nɪzm̩/), traditionally known as Jain Dharma (जैन धर्म) , is a religion and philosophy originating in the prehistory of South Asia. Now a minority in modern India with growing communities in the US, Western Europe, Africa and elsewhere, Jains have continued to sustain the the ancient Shraman (श्रमण) tradition. Jainism has significantly influenced the ethical, political and economic spheres in India for well ...

Including:

• Jainism - Overview of Jain Dharma
• Jainism - Universal History and Jain Cosmology
• Jainism - Beliefs and practices
• Jainism - Jain Symbols
• Jainism - Jain Literature
• Jainism - Jain Worship and Rituals
• Jainism - Digambar and Shvetambar Traditions
• Jainism - Geographical spread and influence
• Jainism - Jain Contributions to Indian Culture
• Jainism - Jainism and Indian Archaeology
• Jainism - Holy sites
• Jainism - Jain Temples in the West
• Jainism - Holy days
• Jainism - Jainism and other religions

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The following is a List of Festivals in India: Indian festivals - Hindu. Diwali Bhaubeej Dussehra or Daserra Kumar Purnima Chhath Holi Makar Sankranti Pongal Mahashivratri Ugadi Gudi Padwa Ramanavami Baisakhi Onam Raja Shankranti Puri Jaganath Ratha yatra Ganesh Puja Saraswati Puja PrathamAstami Krishna Janmastami Including:

• Indian festivals - Hindu
• Indian festivals - Islamic
• Indian festivals - Sikhism
• Indian festivals - Zoroastrian
• Indian festivals - Christian
• Indian festivals - Others
• Indian festivals - Unofficial

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Bihar - Ancient. Bihar has a very rich history. It was called Magadha in ancient times. Its capital Patna, then known as Pataliputra, was the center of the Mauryan empire, which dominated the Indian subcontinent between 325 BC-185 BC. Emperor Ashoka was the most famous ruler of this dynasty. Bihar remained an important place of power, culture and education during the next one thousand years. Nalanda and Vikramshila Universities were the worl ...

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Bihar, Bihar - History, Bihar - Ancient, Bihar - Medieval, Bihar - Modern, Bihar - Timelines, Bihar - Geography & climate, Bihar - Economy, Bihar - Government & politics, Bihar - Administrative, Bihar - Transport & travel, Bihar - Places to See, Bihar - Culture, Bihar - Festivals, Bihar - Folksongs & music, Bihar - Dances of Bihar, Bihar - Language & Literature, Bihar - Folk Theatre, Bihar - Cinema, Bihar - Cuisine, Bihar - Art, Bihar - Education, Bihar - Schools, Bihar - Universities & colleges

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The Parsis account for less than 0.007% of the Indian population, but as Mahatma Gandhi said, they are "in number beneath contempt, but in contribution, beyond compare." The same could be said of their festivals. Unfortunately, like the Parsis themselves, these are private and celebrated primarily within the community. The Parsis use the Shahenshahi ("Imperial") version of the Zoroastrian calendar, which differs significantly from the Qadimi ("Ancient") version that their Iranian co-religionists use. For example, New Year is ce ...

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Indian festivals, Indian festivals - Hindu, Indian festivals - Islamic, Indian festivals - Sikhism, Indian festivals - Zoroastrian, Indian festivals - Christian, Indian festivals - Others, Indian festivals - Unofficial

Read more here: » Indian festivals: Encyclopedia II - Indian festivals - Zoroastrian

The Parsis account for less than 0.007% of the Indian population, but as Mahatma Gandhi said, they are "in number beneath contempt, but in contribution, beyond compare." The same could be said of their festivals. Unfortunately, like the Parsis themselves, these are private and celebrated primarily within the community. The Parsis use the Shahenshahi ("Imperial") version of the Zoroastrian calendar, which differs significantly from the Qadimi ("Ancient") version that their Iranian co-religionists use. For example, New Year is ce ...

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List of Festivals in India, List of Festivals in India - Hindu, List of Festivals in India - Islamic, List of Festivals in India - Sikhism, List of Festivals in India - Zoroastrian, List of Festivals in India - Christian, List of Festivals in India - Others, List of Festivals in India - Unofficial

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After he renounced his princehood, he spent the next twelve and half years in deep silence and meditation and took on the discipline of conquering his desires, feelings, and attachments. He carefully avoided harming or annoying other living beings including animals, birds, and plants. He also went without food for long periods. His enduring calm and peaceful character against all unbearable hardships presence the influence of his title, Mahavir (a Sanskrit word, meaning very brave and courageous), given to him by his peers. During thi ...

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Mahavira, Mahavira - Overview of Mahavira's life, Mahavira - Awakening and enlightenment, Mahavira - Honours, Mahavira - Quotes, Mahavira - Footnotes

Read more here: » Mahavira: Encyclopedia II - Mahavira - Awakening and enlightenment

According to Jain beliefs, the universe was never created, nor will it ever cease to exist. It is eternal but not unchangeable, because it passes through an endless series of cycles. Each of these upward or downward cycles is divided into six world ages (yugas). The present world age is the fifth age of one of these "cycles", which is in a downward movement. These ages are known as "Aaro" as in "Pehela Aara" or First Age, "Doosra Aara" or Second Age and so on. The last one is the "Chhatha Aara" or Sixth Age. ...

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Jainism, Jainism - Overview of Jain Dharma, Jainism - Universal History and Jain Cosmology, Jainism - Beliefs and practices, Jainism - Jain Symbols, Jainism - Jain Literature, Jainism - Jain Worship and Rituals, Jainism - Digambar and Shvetambar Traditions, Jainism - Geographical spread and influence, Jainism - Jain Contributions to Indian Culture, Jainism - Jainism and Indian Archaeology, Jainism - Holy sites, Jainism - Jain Temples in the West, Jainism - Holy days, Jainism - Jainism and other religions

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On one hand, there are the monks, who practice severe asceticism and strive to make this birth their last. On the other hand, there are the lay people, who pursue less rigorous practices, striving to attain rational faith and do good deeds in this birth. Due to the strict ethics embedded in Jainism, the laity must choose a profession and livelihood that does not involve violence to self and other living beings. In their effort to attain their highest and most exalted state of being a Siddha, which is the permanent release of the jiva ...

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Jainism, Jainism - Overview of Jain Dharma, Jainism - Universal History and Jain Cosmology, Jainism - Beliefs and practices, Jainism - Jain Symbols, Jainism - Jain Literature, Jainism - Jain Worship and Rituals, Jainism - Digambar and Shvetambar Traditions, Jainism - Geographical spread and influence, Jainism - Jain Contributions to Indian Culture, Jainism - Jainism and Indian Archaeology, Jainism - Holy sites, Jainism - Jain Temples in the West, Jainism - Holy days, Jainism - Jainism and other religions

Read more here: » Jainism: Encyclopedia II - Jainism - Beliefs and practices

Jains have few core symbols. One Jain symbol incorporates a wheel on the palm of the hand. The holiest one is a simple unadorned swastika or svastika. Major Jains symbols include: 24 Lanchhanas for Tirthankaras The Ashta-mangalas Om Triratna and Shrivatsa symbols. The dreams of Tirthankara's mother Dharma-chakra and Siddha-chakra ...

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Jainism, Jainism - Overview of Jain Dharma, Jainism - Universal History and Jain Cosmology, Jainism - Beliefs and practices, Jainism - Jain Symbols, Jainism - Jain Literature, Jainism - Jain Worship and Rituals, Jainism - Digambar and Shvetambar Traditions, Jainism - Geographical spread and influence, Jainism - Jain Contributions to Indian Culture, Jainism - Jainism and Indian Archaeology, Jainism - Holy sites, Jainism - Jain Temples in the West, Jainism - Holy days, Jainism - Jainism and other religions

Read more here: » Jainism: Encyclopedia II - Jainism - Jain Symbols

Historically, Bihar has been a major centre of learning, home to the universities of Nalanda and Vikramshila. Modern Bihar has an acutely-inadequate educational infrastructure, creating a problem compounded by a growing population. This has prompted many students to seek educational opportunities in other states, such as New Delhi and Karnataka, especially for college education. Bihar has the highest illiteracy rate in India, with women's literacy being only 33.57 %. The standard of Bihari education today is widely considered to be poor.

Bihar, Bihar - History, Bihar - Ancient, Bihar - Medieval, Bihar - Modern, Bihar - Timelines, Bihar - Geography & climate, Bihar - Economy, Bihar - Government & politics, Bihar - Administrative, Bihar - Transport & travel, Bihar - Places to See, Bihar - Culture, Bihar - Festivals, Bihar - Folksongs & music, Bihar - Dances of Bihar, Bihar - Language & Literature, Bihar - Folk Theatre, Bihar - Cinema, Bihar - Cuisine, Bihar - Art, Bihar - Education, Bihar - Schools, Bihar - Universities & colleges

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Jain philosophy is a codification of eternal universal truths, which at times lapse among humanity, but later reappear through the teachings of human beings who have gained enlightenment or omniscience (Keval Gnan). According to tradition, Lord Rishabha (ऋषभ, sometimes pronounced as रिषभ) was the first to realize those truths in this place and time cycle. More recently were Lord Parshva (877-777 BCE) and Lord Vardh ...

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Jainism, Jainism - Overview of Jain Dharma, Jainism - Universal History and Jain Cosmology, Jainism - Beliefs and practices, Jainism - Jain Symbols, Jainism - Jain Literature, Jainism - Jain Worship and Rituals, Jainism - Digambar and Shvetambar Traditions, Jainism - Geographical spread and influence, Jainism - Jain Contributions to Indian Culture, Jainism - Jainism and Indian Archaeology, Jainism - Holy sites, Jainism - Jain Temples in the West, Jainism - Holy days, Jainism - Jainism and other religions

Read more here: » Jainism: Encyclopedia II - Jainism - Overview of Jain Dharma

Bihar has three airports - Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport, Patna, Bhagalpur Airport and Gaya. Patna airport is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Ranchi. It is categorised as a restricted international airport, with customs facilities to receive international chartered flights. Gaya airport is a small international airport connected to Colombo and Bangkok. Bihar is well-connected by railway lines to the rest of India. Most of the towns are interconnected among themselves, and they also are directly connected to Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Patna, Bhagalpur a ...

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Bihar, Bihar - History, Bihar - Ancient, Bihar - Medieval, Bihar - Modern, Bihar - Timelines, Bihar - Geography & climate, Bihar - Economy, Bihar - Government & politics, Bihar - Administrative, Bihar - Transport & travel, Bihar - Places to See, Bihar - Culture, Bihar - Festivals, Bihar - Folksongs & music, Bihar - Dances of Bihar, Bihar - Language & Literature, Bihar - Folk Theatre, Bihar - Cinema, Bihar - Cuisine, Bihar - Art, Bihar - Education, Bihar - Schools, Bihar - Universities & colleges

Read more here: » Bihar: Encyclopedia II - Bihar - Transport & travel

There are many Jain tirthas (pilgrimage sites) throughout India. Shikharji also know as Parasnathji located in Jharkhand state is held to be the most sacred place of the Jains all over India. Parasnath Hill is about 4481 feet high. Parasnath Hill is Jerusalem to the Jains as, besides Mahavira, Twenty Tirthankaras had attained Nirvana at this hill.GoogleEarthLocation Shravanabelagola, monumental statue of the Jain saint Gomateshwara in Hassan District, Karnataka. Dilwara Temples, complex of white marble J ...

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Jainism, Jainism - Overview of Jain Dharma, Jainism - Universal History and Jain Cosmology, Jainism - Beliefs and practices, Jainism - Jain Symbols, Jainism - Jain Literature, Jainism - Jain Worship and Rituals, Jainism - Digambar and Shvetambar Traditions, Jainism - Geographical spread and influence, Jainism - Jain Contributions to Indian Culture, Jainism - Jainism and Indian Archaeology, Jainism - Holy sites, Jainism - Jain Temples in the West, Jainism - Holy days, Jainism - Jainism and other religions

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Archaeological evidence such as various seals and other artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3000–1500 BC) has been cited by some scholars as attesting to the faith's roots in pre-Indo-Aryan migration India. (Refer to the discussion page as well as the 'specialized sources', below.) Decipherment of Brahmi by James Princep in 1788, permitted reading of ancient inscriptions in India, which established the antiquity of Jainism. Discovery of Jain manuscripts, a process that continues today, ha ...

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Jainism, Jainism - Overview of Jain Dharma, Jainism - Universal History and Jain Cosmology, Jainism - Beliefs and practices, Jainism - Jain Symbols, Jainism - Jain Literature, Jainism - Jain Worship and Rituals, Jainism - Digambar and Shvetambar Traditions, Jainism - Geographical spread and influence, Jainism - Jain Contributions to Indian Culture, Jainism - Jainism and Indian Archaeology, Jainism - Holy sites, Jainism - Jain Temples in the West, Jainism - Holy days, Jainism - Jainism and other religions

Read more here: » Jainism: Encyclopedia II - Jainism - Jainism and Indian Archaeology

Jain philosophy is a codification of eternal universal truths, which at times lapse among humanity, but later reappear through the teachings of human beings who have gained enlightenment or omniscience (Keval Gnan). According to tradition, Lord Rishabha (ऋषभ, sometimes pronounced as रिषभ) was the first to realize those truths in this place and time cycle. More recently were Lord Parshva (877-777 BCE) and Lord Var ...

See also:

Jainism, Jainism - Overview of Jain Dharma, Jainism - Universal History and Jain Cosmology, Jainism - Beliefs and practices, Jainism - Jain Symbols, Jainism - Jain Literature, Jainism - Jain Worship and Rituals, Jainism - Digambar and Shvetambar Traditions, Jainism - Geographical spread and influence, Jainism - Jain Contributions to Indian Culture, Jainism - Jainism and Indian Archaeology, Jainism - Holy sites, Jainism - Jain Temples in the West, Jainism - Holy days, Jainism - Jainism and other religions

Read more here: » Jainism: Encyclopedia II - Jainism - Overview of Jain Dharma