Mahavir Jayanti is regarded as the main Jain festival of the year. The
festival is celebrated in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of
Lord Mahavira. According to the Digambar school of Jainism, Lord
Mahavira was born in the year 615 BC, but the Swetambaras believe that
He was born in 599 BC. But both the sects believed that Mahavira was the
son of Siddhartha and Trisala. According to the legend, Devananda, wife
of a Brahmin named Rishabhdeva, conceived him. The gods, ingeniously,
transferred the embryo to the womb of Trisala. According to Swetambara
sect the expectant mother was believed to have seen 14 auspicious
dreams. And according to Digambara sect it was 16 dreams. The
Astrologers interpreted these dreams, stated that the child would be
either an emperor or a Teerthankar.
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.
