MAHAVIR JAYANTI: HISTORY
NEWS: PM Modi pays tribute to Lord Mahavir, hails message of non-violence
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Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, who preached non-violence, self-restraint, and spiritual liberation through the five Mahavratas. His teachings hold enduring relevance for modern India in areas of sustainability, ethical living, and public integrity.
About Mahavir Jayanti
• Mahavir Jayanti is the most significant religious festival in Jainism, celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of the present Avasarpini cycle.
• Lord Mahavira succeeded Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, and revitalized Jainism with his philosophical and ethical teachings.
• The festival is observed by Jains across the world, particularly in India, with great devotion, reflection, and acts of service.
• In 2025, Mahavir Jayanti was observed on April 10, marking the 2623rd birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira.
• Celebrations include Rath Yatras (chariot processions), temple visits, scripture readings, philanthropic acts, and Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Mahavira’s idol.
The Navkar Mantra
• The Navkar Mantra is the most revered prayer in Jainism, chanted daily by followers to seek spiritual purification and guidance.
• It salutes five categories of spiritually elevated beings:
• Arhats (perfected souls who have conquered inner passions)
• Siddhas (liberated souls)
• Acharyas (spiritual leaders)
• Upadhyayas (teachers of scriptures)
• Sadhus/Sadhvis (monks and nuns)
• This mantra is a symbol of humility, devotion, and spiritual aspiration, reflecting the core Jain values of non-violence, truth, and self-restraint.
About Lord Mahavira
• Birth Name: Born as Vardhamana, meaning “one who grows” – his birth was believed to bring prosperity to the kingdom.
• Dynasty and Clan: He belonged to the Jnatra clan of the Ikshvaku dynasty, an ancient and revered lineage.
• Parents: Son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishalaa, a Lichchhavi princess known for her prophetic dreams foretelling Mahavira’s greatness.
• Birth Date and Place: Born in 599 BCE on Chaitra Sud 13, in Vaishali, capital of the Vajji confederacy, an early republic in North India.
• Renunciation: At the age of 30, Mahavira renounced his princely life and comforts in pursuit of truth and spiritual liberation.
• Kevala Jnana: After 12 years of deep penance and meditation, he attained Kevala Jnana, the highest form of knowledge in Jainism, making him a Jina (conqueror).
• Moksha: He attained liberation (moksha) at the age of 72 at Pavapuri (in modern-day Bihar), freeing himself from the cycle of birth and death.
• First Sermon: Delivered his first discourse at Pava, near Patna, marking the beginning of his spiritual mission.
• Sangha Formation: Mahavira established a Sangha (monastic community) that included both monks and nuns, promoting gender inclusivity and structured propagation of Jain teachings.
• Royal Patronage: Frequently visited the courts of Magadha rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatasatru, who are believed to have supported his mission.
• Symbol: Every Tirthankara has a unique emblem—Mahavira’s symbol is the lion, representing courage and strength.
• Titles: Revered by various names such as Mahavira (Great Hero), Jaina or Jitendriya (one who conquered senses), and Nirgrantha (free from all bonds).
Teachings of Mahavira – The Five Mahavratas (Great Vows)
• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Refraining from causing harm to any living being in thought, word, or deed – the most central tenet of Jainism.
• Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking only what is true, beneficial, and kind – builds trust and moral integrity.
• Asteya (Non-Stealing): Not taking anything that is not willingly given – a vow rooted in respect and honesty.
• Aparigraha (Non-Possession): Detachment from material possessions and desires – fosters simplicity and environmental sustainability.
• Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): Control over senses and desires – introduced by Mahavira as the fifth vow to elevate spiritual discipline.
Language of Teachings
• Mahavira and his disciples taught in Prakrit, the common language of the masses, making his teachings accessible to ordinary people instead of being confined to elites or Sanskrit-speaking scholars.
Relevance of Lord Mahavira’s Teachings to Contemporary India
• Promoting Non-Violence and Harmony: In a culturally diverse and often conflict-prone society, Mahavira’s principle of Ahimsa inspires peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and conflict resolution.
• Sustainability and Simplicity: The vow of Aparigraha aligns with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) by encouraging minimalist, eco-conscious living.
• Ecological Ethics: The Jain aphorism “Parasparopagraho Jivanam” (all life is bound together by mutual support) reinforces concepts of ecological balance and interdependence.
• Mental and Emotional Wellness: Vows like Brahmacharya and Satya promote self-control, clarity, and ethical living, leading to inner peace and societal trust.
• Integrity in Public Life: The values of truthfulness and non-stealing are essential to building institutional integrity, governance transparency, and public accountability in modern democracies.
Source: https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-lord-mahavir-hails-message-of-non-violence-125041000155_1.html