Mahavir Jayanti 2020: Who is Vardhamana Mahavira And Why Is He Worshipped

The birthday of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism and the 24th Tirthankara holds special significance for the Jain community and hence is celebrated every year with much fervour as Mahveer Janma Kalyanak or simply Mahavir Jayanti. This year Mahavir Jayanti falls on April 06. The thirteenth day of Chaitra is celebrated as the birthday of Mahavir and according to the English calendar, it varies every year but mostly falls between March and April. 

How Is Mahavir Jayanti celebrated?

During this day people belonging to the Jain community carry an idol of Lord Mahavira for a ceremonial bath or Abhisheka. The devotees chant Jain bhajans on their way to the river. A prayer meeting is organised and people participate in charitable work all through the day. Devotees consume the ‘sattvic diet’ that is made from natural products procured without causing any kind of ill-treatment to any living organism before sundown. 

Why is Mahavir Jayanti celebrated?

Also Read: Ugadi 2020 - Yugadi Festival Date and Puja Muhurat Timing 2020 Mahavira born as a prince to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala in the holy city of Vaishali. After ruling his kingdom for over 30 years, at the age of 30, Mahavira also referred to as Vardhamana abandoned royalty to live the live ascetic life.  In his pursuit of spiritual awakening, Mahavira undertook an extreme lifestyle that had days of fasting, meditation for years under Ashoka tree, sacrificing clothing to embrace the harsh weather and bodily mortification. He has spent the rest of his life traveling and spreading the necessity of spiritual freedom. He is the first preacher of total non-violence and salvation as a way of living. Every Jain ascetics and householders have to take five vows that include Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satya (Truth), Asteya (Non-Stealing), Brahmacharya (Sanhood’ and Aparigraha(Non-attachment)

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