The celebration of Mahavir Jayanti is marked by various rituals and customs. Devotees visit Jain temples and offer prayers and offerings to Lord Mahavira. They also participate in processions carrying the idol of Lord Mahavira on a chariot, accompanied by music and dance performances. Many people also observe fasts and perform charitable acts on this day.
One of the significant customs of Mahavir Jayanti is the flag hoisting ceremony. The Jain flag, known as the Jhanda, is hoisted on this day in all Jain temples. The flag is made of five colors, each representing a particular aspect of Jainism. The white color symbolizes purity and peace, the red color represents bravery and courage, the yellow color symbolizes non-attachment and self-restraint, the green color represents prosperity and nature, and the black color represents the separation of the soul from the body.
Another important aspect of Mahavir Jayanti is the recitation of the Kalpa Sutra, the holy scripture of the Jain religion. The Kalpa Sutra describes the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira and is considered to be one of the most important texts in Jainism.
Mahavir Jayanti is a time for reflection and introspection for Jains. It serves as a reminder of the values and teachings of Lord Mahavira, and the importance of living a life of non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion. The celebration of Mahavir Jayanti is an opportunity for Jains to renew their commitment to these values and strengthen their spiritual practice.
In conclusion, Mahavir Jayanti is an auspicious occasion for Jains all over the world. It is a time to honor and remember the teachings of Lord Mahavira, and to renew one's commitment to living a life of non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion. The celebration of Mahavir Jayanti is an opportunity for Jains to come together in community and strengthen their spiritual practice.
About Lord Mahavir
Birth and Early Life:
Lord Mahavira was born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama, present-day Bihar, India, as the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. He was named Vardhamana, which means "one who grows." His family was part of the Kshatriya, or warrior caste, and he was raised in luxury.
At the age of 30, he renounced his worldly possessions and left his family to seek spiritual enlightenment. For the next twelve and a half years, he practiced severe asceticism, meditation, and self-denial, in search of spiritual truth.
Enlightenment and Teaching:
At the age of 42, Lord Mahavira attained enlightenment under a sala tree, now known as the "Jambu tree," in Bihar. He became the last and the 24th Tirthankara, or spiritual teacher, of the Jain religion. He spent the next 30 years of his life traveling across India, teaching the principles of Jainism, and spreading his message of non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion.
During his teaching career, Lord Mahavira founded the monastic order of Jainism, called the Jains, which includes monks, nuns, and lay followers. He also composed many sacred texts, including the Acharanga Sutra and the Kalpa Sutra, which provide guidance on ethical conduct, meditation, and spiritual practice.
Death:
Lord Mahavira passed away at the age of 72 in 527 BCE, in the town of Pava, in present-day Bihar, India. He achieved Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and his soul is believed to have attained eternal bliss in the realm of the gods.
The Jain community commemorates his death anniversary as Diwali, the festival of lights, to celebrate his life and teachings. Lord Mahavira's teachings continue to inspire millions of Jains worldwide and serve as a guiding light for a peaceful and harmonious life.
Some famous incidences :
1. The story of the Elephant and the Rabbit: According to Jain mythology, Lord Mahavira once witnessed an elephant trampling over a rabbit's burrow. The rabbit, in its fear, jumped into the water and drowned. Lord Mahavira was moved by the rabbit's bravery and taught that courage and non-violence can overcome even the most powerful of enemies.
2. Lord Mahavira and the Snake: Once, Lord Mahavira was meditating in the forest when a poisonous snake bit him. However, he did not show any signs of pain or distress and continued with his meditation. The snake, moved by Lord Mahavira's non-violent response, repented for its actions and became his disciple.
3. Lord Mahavira and the Coconut: It is said that during his ascetic practices, Lord Mahavira once found himself thirsty and hungry in a forest. A kind-hearted woman offered him a coconut to drink, but he realized that by drinking the coconut, he would be responsible for the death of the embryo inside. He refused to take the coconut and taught that non-violence should be extended to all forms of life, even those that are not visible to the naked eye.
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