Mahavir Jayanti, one of the most famous and auspicious religious festival of the Jain community. This year it is going to be celebrated on March 29, 2018. The festival signifies the nativity of the last Tirthankara of Kalyuga, Mahavir. Mahavir Jayanti comes in the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar. The spiritual teachings of Mahavir hold a lot of importance and influence in the Jain religious history. The birth of Mahavir Swami, the last saviour and spiritual teacher of the righteous path in Jainism is remembered with great spirit and enthusiasm by the people.
History of Mahavir Jayanti Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of the great philosopher, Mahavir. Mahavir Swami is said to hail from the Ikshvaku dynasty and was born to King Siddhartha of Kundagrama and Queen Trishala in the year 599 BCE. The great scholar is believed to be born in Vasokund on the thirteenth day of the bright cycle of the moon in Chaitra. Born in a democratic kingdom, Vajji, Mahavir was also called as Vardhamana. A place called as Ahalya Bhumi has not been ploughed for centuries as it is considered to be the place where Mahavir was born. Mahavir is considered as one of the greatest sages of his time as he gave up his entire umpire at the young age of 30 to walk the path of the ascetic.
The significance of Mahavir Jayanti: The day which marks the birth of Lord Mahavir is celebrated by reliving his teachings of humility, non-violence, and simplicity. Mahavir is considered to be one of the most honourable saints in the planet and Jains all over the world remember him by taking part in peaceful processions. Lord Mahavir was one of the revolutionary philosophers who took to science to explain the true meaning of life as well as various causes of nature. This day is of immense importance as Mahavir was considered as a blessed child whose birth was preceded by his mother getting various auspicious dreams before his birth.