One of the most famous festivals in Jainism is Mahavir Jayanti, and it marks the 24th anniversary of the birth of Tirthankara Mahavir, who played an important role in the preaching of Jainism. This year, on 25 April 2021, Mahavir Jayanti 2024 will be held. This day is also referred to as the birth anniversary of the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavira, and also as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak.
Is Mahavir Jayanti in 2024 a Public Holiday?
Mahavir Jayanti in 2024 is labelled as a public holiday in India. This means that it is observed as a holiday nationally. Hence, all national, state, and local institutions, colleges, banks, universities, workplaces and other public and private sector companies remain closed or at times, functional during restricted hours.
Mahavir Jayanti History
Mahavir Jayanti History holds great significance for the natives. As per the Gregorian calendar, Mahavir Jayanti occurs. According to legend, it was on the 13th day of the month of Chaitra in 599 BCE or 615 BCE that Mahavir was born in Kundagram, according to the Digambar and Svetambara School of Jainism. He was born the son of the Jainism School and Swetambara, respectively.
Mahavir left all his earthly belongings in search of a spiritual direction when he was 30 years of age. Before attaining ’Kevala Jnana’ or omniscience, he meditated and lived an austere life for about 12 years. Mahavir believed in preaching ahimsa or non-violence, satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity) and aparigraha (non-attachment). The teachings of Mahavir were put together by his principal disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama.
In general, Jains consume Satvik food all over, which includes freshly cooked vegetarian meals made without onion or garlic. Satvik diets do not use these two root vegetables and are prepared for living creatures with minimal damage.
Mahavir Jayanti: Mythological Significance
Mahavir Jayanti is a religious festival of the Jains, also known as Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak. The day is considered auspicious since it is believed that Mahaveer was born on this day in the year 599 BCE BCE, the founder of Jainism and the last Tirthankara (Chaitra Sud 13). Every year, the date of Mahavir Jayanti changes and it is typically observed as per the Hindu calendar on the 13th day of the month of Chaitra. This year, Mahavir Jayanti is being celebrated on April 21.
According to old stories Lord Mahavir was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala, in Kundagram. It is known today as Kundalpur of Bihar’s Champaran district. Following his birth, he was called Vardhamana. The name means ’one who grows’ because it is believed that upon Mahavir’s birth, the kingdom witnessed more prosperity and happiness.
Mahavir Jayanti: Astrological Significance
Mahavir was born on the 13th day of the rising moon in the month of Chaitra. The tithi of his birth was Trayodashi Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. Mahavir was born in the year 599 B.C. And vanished in 527 B.C. Right at the age of 72. Mahavir was born in Kundalagrama, which is located in the district of Vaishali in Bihar.
How is Mahavira Jayanti Celebrated?
The day is observed across the world by the Jain followers and is considered a good day to carry out charity and pray to the Almighty for blessing them with a life without violence. On Mahavir Jayanti, on a chariot, a procession takes place with the idol of Lord Mahavir and people recite religious songs on the way. On this day, by doing charity, saying prayers and keeping fasts, the Jains around the world rejoice. They visit Jain temples, hold mass prayers and meditate as well.
The day is celebrated by anointing the statue of Mahavir ceremonially, starting with ’abhisheka’. The idol is carried out on a chariot and a continuous recital of the stavans, better known as bhajans or religious rhymes, is included in the procession to remember and thank Mahavir for leading his followers’ path. By sharing different ideas and values preached by Mahavir, the followers keep their whole day occupied. In temples, lectures are held about the path of virtue as described in Jainism. Many famous Jain temples see the presence of hundreds and thousands of followers.
Mahavira Jayanti 2024 Wishes
- “Adopt The Path Of Truth, Knowledge, And Nonviolence On This Mahavir Jayanti. Happy Mahavir Jayanti!”
- “May Lord Mahavir Bless You Abundantly And Fill Your Life With The Virtue Of Truth, Non-violence And External Compassion. Happy Mahavir Jayanti”
- “May Lord Mahavir Bless You Abundantly And Fill Your Life With The Virtue Of Truth Nonviolence And External Compassion. Happy Mahavir Jayanti!”
Mahavir Jayanti Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Wed | 17 April | Mahavir Jayanti | Public Holiday |
| 2020 | Mon | 6 April | Mahavir Jayanti | Public Holiday |
| 2021 | Sun | 25 April | Mahavir Jayanti | Public Holiday |
| 2022 | Thu | 14 April | Mahavir Jayanti | Public Holiday |
| 2023 | Tue | 4 April | Mahavir Jayanti | Public Holiday |
| 2024 | Sun | 21 April | Mahavir Jayanti | Public Holiday |
| 2025 | Thu | 10 April | Mahavir Jayanti | Public Holiday |
FAQs
1. What is satvik food as per Jain customs?
Jainism recommends the consumption of satvik food, which implies meals without the addition of onion and garlic. The followers therefore make sure that their food on Mahavir Jayanti is fresh and free from the impurities of food products made by man.
2. Is there a rath yatra on Mahavir Jayanti?
Yes there is a Rath yatra on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.
3. How many Jain gurus are there in India?
Jain texts and tradition believe in 24 Tirthankaras. They are depicted as five to one hundred times taller than average human beings and to have lived for thousands of years in Jain tradition.
4. Is Mahavir Jayanti a bank holiday?
Mahavir Jayanti is a bank holiday in India.
From the above information, it is evident that Mahavir Jayanti 2024 in India is observed on April 21 2024 with grandeur. We hope you have liked this article on Mahavir Jayanti in India. Thank you for being an important part of AstroSage.