Mahavir Jayanti Day in 2025
Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most significant festivals among the Jain community and is celebrated with splendour in India and across the world. The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavira.
As per Jain mythology, Lord Mahavira is the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. In 2025, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on the 10th of April, Thursday.
Festival Name | Date | States |
Mahavir Jayanti | Thursday, 10 April 2025 | Karnataka, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab |
A Brief History of Mahavir Jayanti
As per Jain texts and religious scripts, Lord Mahavira took birth on the 13th day of waxing moon on the Chaitra month (Hindu calendar) in Kundalagrama (now Kundalpur) in Bihar, a few kilometres from Patna. That time, Vaishali was considered to be the capital of the state. However, the year of Mahavira's birth is disputed. As per Swetambar Jains, Mahavira was born in 599 BC while the Digambar Jains consider 615 BC as his birth year. He was named as Vardhaman by his parents - King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala.
As per Swetambar community's beliefs, Mahavira's mother had 14 dreams, which were later interpreted by astrologers all of whom said that Mahavira would either go on to become an emperor or a sage (Tirthankara). When Mahavira reached 30, he left his throne and family in search of truth. He lived in exile for 12 years as an ascetic. During this time, he preached non-violence treated all everyone with reverence. He got his name "Mahavira" after showing exceptional skills in controlling the senses. It is widely belied that when Mahavira was 72, he attained enlightenment (Nirvana).
Festivities of Mahavir Jayanti
The Jain community takes part in several festivities, which permit them to pledge with families and friends. Lord Mahavir is respected and worshipped by this community. The demonstration of an idol of Lord Mahavir is the most important festivity of the festival. The effigy of Mahavir is washed by the people with fragranced oil and this will denote the purity of the Lord.
Devotees across India and the globe will visit Jain temples in the country. Antique ancient spots, which are connected to the community of Jainism, are visited by people. One of the renowned destinations to visit during the festival is Gomateshwara. It is quite interesting to notice that many Jains bestow money or food to temples. The festivities will remain the same.
Public Life During Mahavir Jayanti
In India, Mahavir Jayanti is a gazetted holiday. State, local and national level government workplaces will remain closed. The shops and commercial outlets owned by the community of Jains will also remain closed. If not, they may have shortened functioning hours.
List of Trading Holidays
How is Mahavir Jayanti celebrated?
The festival is celebrated to champion the cause of peace and harmony, and also spread the teachings of Lord Mahavira. A procession is carried out in the form of "rath yatra" with Lord Mahavira's idol neatly placed on the top. Jain temples are decorated with flags while the Jains offer food and clothes to the needy. Jainism vehemently opposes animal slaughter and hence donations are made to stop animal killings.
Other than charitable acts, prayers are offered in temples dedicated to Lord Mahavira. Some other devotes often engage in meditation—a practice championed by Mahavira. Old and famous Jain temples witness a huge surge in devotees on this day. Teachings of Mahavira and Jainism are recited by monks and nuns.
Mahavir Jayanti is predominantly a Jain festival and to get the true essence of it, you can visit any of the Jain temples.
5 Spiritual Destinations to Visit During Mahavir Jayanti
Consider the following Indian destinations to visit during this festival:
- Madhuban: Madhuban, sited in Jharkhand, is the divinest destination for Jains.
- Girnarji: Girnarji is a place located in the Indian state of Gujarat.
- Gomateshwara: Gomateshwara is the most attractive destination in Karnataka to visit during this festival every year.
- Mangi Tungi: Mungi Tungi is another renowned Indian place of adoration for Jains in Maharashtra.
- Gajpantha: This is also the best place in Maharashtra. It has a beautiful temple. Devotees have to climb not less than 460 steps to reach.
FAQs on Mahaveer Jayanti
- Why do people celebrate Mahaveer Jayanti?
The teachings of non-violence, honesty, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment were the focus of Lord Mahavira's life. To honor the anniversary of the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara and founder of Jainism, Jains all across the world observe Mahavir Jayanti.
- What are the activities people do on Mahaveer Jayanti?
On Mahavir Jayanti, there is a procession with Mahavir's idol pulled by a chariot, and people sing hymns along the way. The Jains mark this day by giving to charity, praying, fasting, going to Jain temples, performing collective prayers, and meditating.
- What do people eat on Mahaveer Jayanti?
People usually prepare and eat vegetarian food on Mahaveer Jayanti.
- On Mahaveer Jayanti, which deity is worshipped?
People worship Lord Mahaveer on Mahaveer Jayanti.
- Is Mahavir Jayanti a day of fasting?
Particularly in the Indian state of Bihar, where Lord Mahavira is believed to have been born, people mark this day with prayer and fasting.
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