Surat: Vijay Rupani, former Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP leader, flagged off the Mahavir Jayanti Yatra in Rajkot on Sunday and extended his best wishes to everyone.

"On the auspicious day of Mahavir Jayanti, with all excitement, Jain society across the country celebrates with the principles of Lord Mahavir. I extend my best wishes to everyone," Rupani told the media.

Claiming victory for his party in Gujarat, Rupani stated, "The environment is heating up as the election is going forward. BJP is ahead in campaigning across the nation, and in Gujarat, 26 out of 26 seats BJP will win," he told the media. Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat's 26 parliamentary constituencies are scheduled to be held on May 7, 2024, in a single phase during the third phase. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah Extend Wishes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to the countrymen on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, stating that the messages of Lord Mahavir are an inspiration for the country in building a developed India. In a post on social media, PM Modi said, "On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, my best wishes to all the families of the country. Lord Mahavir's messages related to peace, restraint, and goodwill are an inspiration for the country in building a developed India."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended wishes on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti and said that Lord Mahavir's principles of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession will guide generations. In a post on social media, Amit Shah said, "Infinite wishes to everyone on Lord Mahavir Jayanti. Lord Mahavir Ji, the eternal symbol of sacrifice, penance, truth, and non-violence, paved the way for the welfare of the entire human race through his teachings. His Panchsheel principles of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession will guide generations."

Significance of Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was given the name of 'Vardhamana' in his childhood. Born in 615 BC in a royal family, Mahavira renounced his princely status at the age of 30 to start his spiritual journey in search of truth and enlightenment. He practiced austerities and meditated for 12 years in a forest to achieve 'Kevala Jnana.' He then propagated the Dharma known as Jainism.

The festival of Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with rituals such as praying at Jain temples, processions, singing hymns adoring Lord Mahavira, fasting to purify the body and soul, charity, cultural programs, and lectures by religious scholars and leaders.

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to highlight the significance of Jainism in the world, especially in India. The core teachings of Mahavira, including non-violence, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment, hold great importance in the world today.

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