Mahavir Jayanti 2024 Is Celebrated Today: Know Its History, Celebration, Significance, Lord Mahavir¡¯s Teachings And Quotes

Mahavir Jayanti also called Mahavir Janma Kalyanak holds significant importance in the Jain community, marking the birth of Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. Typically falling in March or April on the Gregorian calendar. It's a time to reflect on and honour the life and teachings of this revered spiritual leader. Mahavir Janma Kalyanak highlights the essence of Dharma within Jainism, emphasising principles such as non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), chastity (Brahmacharya), and non-attachment (Aparigraha).

When is Mahavir Jayanti 2024?

Mahavir Jayanti 2024 is celebrated today on Sunday, April 21. It's a day filled with reverence and festivity among Jain devotees worldwide.

Mahavir Jayanti 2024 timings

Mahavir was born on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Chaitra. This year, his 2622nd birthday will start on April 20 at 10:41 p.m. and end on April 22 at 1:11 p.m., according to the Panchang. So, the whole celebration of Mahavir Jayanti will be on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

Significance Of Mahavir Jayanti

Happy Mahavir Jayanti | Photo: Freepik

Mahavir Jayanti holds immense significance in Jainism. It commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, also known as Vardhaman, who dedicated his life to propagating the principles of dharma and non-violence. Jain followers celebrate this auspicious day with great zeal and devotion. (Happy Mahavir Jayanti wishes and quotes)

The Story of Mahavir Jayanti

Lord Mahavir was the son of King Sidhartha and Queen Trisala. He was born in Kundalagrama, Bihar, on the 13th day of the Hindu calendar month Chaitra in 599 BC, according to the Swetambars, while the Digambar Jains believe he was born in 615 BC.

In his childhood, he was named Vardhaman. Despite being born into a royal family and surrounded by all luxuries and comforts, he was not interested in worldly pleasures. As he grew older, he began to question the purpose of his existence.

Consequently, at the age of 30, he left the kingdom, his family, and his worldly duties, seeking inner peace and tranquillity in the forest. He rigorously practised penance for 12 years in pursuit of salvation.

Mahavir Jayanti Celebrations and Rituals

The celebration of Mahavir Jayanti typically includes prayers, reading sacred texts, and big processions. Followers go to Jain temples to worship, offering flowers, sweets, and other items to Lord Mahavir¡¯s statue. They also help others by giving out food and clothes to those who need them.

Jains also arrange processions called ¡°Rath Yatras,¡± where Lord Mahavir¡¯s statue is carried in a decorated chariot through the streets. Devotees sing hymns and say prayers during the procession. The Rath Yatra is an important part of the celebrations, spreading the teachings of peace, kindness, and non-violence to everyone.

The Teachings of Lord Mahavir

Lord Mahavir's teachings emphasise the principles of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment). His timeless wisdom continues to inspire millions around the globe to lead a life of virtue and righteousness.

Motivational quotes by Lord Mahavira

• ¡°Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult torment, torture, or kill any creature or living being.¡±
• ¡°In happiness and suffering , in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self¡±
• ¡°Fight with yourself, why fight with external foes? He, who conquers himself through himself, will obtain happiness.¡±
• ¡°Don¡¯t accumulate if you do not need it. The excess of wealth in your hands is for the society, and you are the trustee for the same¡±
• ¡°All breathing, existing, living, sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away.¡±
• ¡°A man is seated on top of a tree in the midst of a burning forest. He sees all living beings perish. But he doesn¡¯t realize that the same fate is soon going to overtake him also. That man is fool¡±

Happy Mahavir Jayanti wishes and quotes to share with loved ones

• Wishing you peace, happiness, and enlightenment on the auspicious occasion of Mahavira Jayanti. May Lord Mahavira bless you with wisdom and compassion.
• ¡°There is no enemy out of your soul. The real enemies live inside yourself, they are anger, pride, greed, attachments, and hate.¡±-
• May Lord Mahavira¡¯s divine blessings always be upon us and our loved ones. Greetings on Mahavir Jayanti!
• ¡°Truthfulness, chastity, simplicity, and equanimity are the four pillars of a pious life.¡±
• May Lord Mahavir grant everyone the courage, strength, and insight needed to overcome all challenges in life. Greetings on Mahavir Jayanti!
• ¡°A man is seated on top of a tree in the midst of a burning forest. He sees all living beings perish. But he doesn¡¯t realize that the same fate is soon to overtake him also. That man is a fool.¡±
• May this Mahavir Jayanti signify the beginning of a new era filled with peace, joy, and prosperity for all. Greetings on Mahavir Jayanti!
• ¡°It is better to win over self than to win over a million enemies.¡±
• May Lord Mahavira bless us abundantly and infuse our lives with the values of truth, non-violence, and compassion. Happy Mahavir Jayanti!
• ¡°One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water, and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them.¡±

As we celebrate Mahavir Jayanti 2024, let us reflect on the timeless teachings of Lord Mahavir and strive to imbibe them into our lives. May this auspicious occasion bring peace, harmony, and spiritual enlightenment to all.

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