Teachers and saints · Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara
Mahavir Jayanti
The Jain festival honouring the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir and his message of non-violence.
Also known as: Mahavir Janma Kalyanak
Date and muhurat
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When is it observed?
On the thirteenth tithi (Trayodashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla paksha) of the month of Chaitra, which is the birth tithi of Mahavira according to Jain tradition.
About Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti, also called Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, celebrates the birth of Vardhaman Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara of the present era in Jainism. He is traditionally dated to around the sixth century BCE (the Svetambara and Digambara traditions give slightly different years), as a prince born in the region of Kundagrama near Vaishali in present-day Bihar, though the exact birthplace is debated.
Jains mark the day with temple visits, abhishek of Mahavira's image, processions with a chariot (rath yatra), talks on his teachings, and charity. The mood is quiet and reflective rather than boisterous, and it is a public holiday in India.
Significance
Mahavira taught the path of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (not stealing), brahmacharya (restraint) and aparigraha (non-possessiveness). The festival is a time to return to these vows and to think about how they apply to daily life.
His teaching of anekantavada, the view that truth has many sides, encourages respect for differing views. The day therefore carries a message of compassion towards all living beings, simple living and tolerance, valued far beyond the Jain community.
How the day is observed
- 1Rise early, bathe and put on clean clothes before visiting the temple.
- 2Perform the abhishek of the image of Mahavira with water and, in some traditions, milk, accompanied by chanting.
- 3Offer rice, fruit and sweets, and recite prayers or the Namokar Mantra.
- 4Join the rath yatra, a procession in which an image of Mahavira is carried through the town on a chariot with hymns.
- 5Listen to discourses (pravachan) on his life and teachings from monks, nuns or scholars.
- 6Observe a vegetarian, often onion- and garlic-free, meal; many fast or eat only before sunset.
- 7Give charity (daan): feed the poor, support animal shelters (gaushalas and panjrapols) and donate to education and health causes.
The story
According to Jain tradition, Queen Trishala is said to have seen fourteen auspicious dreams before Mahavira's birth (the Svetambara tradition counts fourteen, the Digambara sixteen). The child was named Vardhaman, meaning "one who grows", since the kingdom prospered during the pregnancy.
At about thirty he renounced royal life, spent some twelve years in severe austerity and meditation, and attained kevala jnana, omniscience. He then taught for around thirty years and, by tradition, reached liberation (moksha) at Pavapuri. His followers are organised as monks, nuns, and lay men and women.
What to do
- ✓Visit a Jain temple and join the prayers or procession.
- ✓Follow a vegetarian diet and eat before sunset if you can.
- ✓Practise compassion in small ways: help animals and people.
- ✓Listen to or read about Mahavira's teachings.
- ✓Give to charity according to your means.
What to avoid
- ✕Do not eat meat, fish or eggs on this day.
- ✕Avoid causing harm to any living creature, even small ones.
- ✕Do not hold loud, extravagant celebrations in the spirit of the day.
- ✕Avoid harsh or untruthful speech.
- ✕Do not waste food or resources.
Around the country
- Gujarat and Rajasthan: large processions with decorated chariots and Jain temples such as those at Palitana and Mount Abu are visited.
- Bihar: Kundalpur, Kshatriyakund and Pavapuri draw pilgrims; traditions differ on the exact birthplace, while Pavapuri is the place of his nirvana.
- Maharashtra and Karnataka: community events, the reading of Jain scripture, and food donations are common.
- Delhi and other cities: a Jain community rath yatra goes through the city, and the day is a public holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Mahavira?
He was the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of Jainism, a contemporary of the Buddha, who taught non-violence, truth and non-attachment.
Is Mahavir Jayanti his birthday or something else?
Yes. Jains call it Janma Kalyanak, the auspicious event of his birth, one of five such events in a Tirthankara's life.
Do only Jains observe it?
It is a Jain festival, but people of all communities join the processions and talks, and it is a public holiday in India.