Mahavir Jayanti
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Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, is the last one in the galaxy of Twenty-four Teerthankaras (Jain Prophets). He was born in the year 599 B.C. and has been acclaimed as one of the greatest prophets of peace and social reformation that Bharat
has ever produced. He was born to a pious couple, Siddhartha and Priyakarani or popularly Trishala Devi - who were deeply permeated with the philosophy of jainism preached by Parswanatha, the 23rd Teerthankara. Siddhartha was the king of Kaundinyapura on the
outskirts of Vaishali.
The entire Jain community through out the country celebrates Mahavir Jayanti. On this auspicious day, grand chariot processions with the images of Mahavira are taken out, rich ceremonies are held in the temples, fasts and charities are observed, The Jains observes
religious events on this day. They visit the sacred sites and worship the Teerthankars on this day.
The event hold special significance in Gujarat and Rajasthan due to the ancient shrines at Girnar and Palitana In Kolkata, too this festival is celebrated with great fervor at the Parasnath temple. Even at Pawapuri in Bihar Mahavir Jayanti
holds a special significance. Lord mahavir was a great teacher, his philosophies and teachings taught mankind the true path of happiness. His teachings on complete non-violence and importance of austerity showed us the path to achieve salvation and spirituality.
Mahavira's simple and convincing method of appealing to the highest and noblest impulses in the living breast soon won him a large following. He would, for example, pose the following question in order to bring home the grand message of non-injury
to every living being: "Can you hold a red-hot iron rod in your hand merely because some one wants you to do so?" The listeners would instantly reply, "No, never".
Then Mahavira would ask them, "Then, will it be right on your part to ask others to do the same thing just to satisfy your desire? If you cannot tolerate infliction of pain on your body or mind by others' words and actions, what right have you to do the same
to others through your words and deeds?" Mahavira would then sum up his message: "Do unto others as you would like to be done by. Injury or violence done by your to any life in any form, animal or human, is as harmful as it would be if caused to your own self."
Mahavira's emphasis on this `Unity of Life' forms one of the highest saving principles of human life. The modern civilization, which seeks to exploit and destroy every other kind of living species in order to satiate the never ending cravings
of man, is landing the entire human species itself in a deadly peril.
About Mahavir and his Birth:
According to the Jain mythology, Mahavir had acquired all the necessery qualities to become a Tirthankara in His pervous life. Six months prior to his birth, the supreme powers created an atmoshphere congenial and condusive to Mahavira's birth, who was a great
being. Gods and Goddesses came down to bestow their blessings on the Tirthankara's expecting mother, and to cater to her needs. Wealth was showered from the heavens, relieving everyone from poverty and extending the superior ambience.
Just before Mahavira was born , His mother had sixteen dreams. Mahavira was born at four in the morning, which is considered very auspicious in Jainism and Hinduism.
Mahavira preached non-violence and prohibited any kind of killing. He also believed that the most virtuous life is spent sitting still and fasting, as then a man does not run the risk of injuring life even involuntarily, by swallowing or treading upon insects.
On his birth anniversary, every Jain resolves to follow his teachings.