Mahavir Janma Kalyanak: Interesting Facts and Significance

The birth and life of Lord Mahavira

Lord Mahavir was born in Vaishali in present-day Bihar, India, on the thirteenth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra (which usually falls in March or April) in the year 599 BCE. His birth is considered an auspicious event in the history of Jainism.

His father, King Siddhartha, ruled over Kundagrama. Before his birth, the astrologers predicted that the child would be a great saint who would eventually become a Tirthankara, a teacher who guides people towards the path of righteousness.

According to Jain tradition, Lord Mahavir's mother, Queen Trishala, had vivid and auspicious dreams during her pregnancy. These dreams were believed to be prophetic and indicated the great destiny of her unborn child.

In one dream, Queen Trishala saw a brilliant sun shining brightly in the sky, illuminating the entire universe. This dream was interpreted to signify that her child would become a great spiritual leader spreading light and wisdom worldwide.

In another dream, she saw a magnificent white elephant descending from the heavens and entering her womb. This was believed to signify that her child would possess great strength and purity of heart and would be able to overcome any obstacle in his path.

In a third dream, Queen Trishala saw a garland of flowers falling from the sky and settling on her womb. Each flower represented a virtue, such as wisdom, compassion, and courage, and was a sign that her child would embody these qualities.

The fourth dream showed her child as a lion, roaring loudly and fearlessly. This was interpreted as a symbol of the extraordinary courage and fearlessness that her child would possess and his ability to conquer all his enemies.

Finally, in the fifth dream, Queen Trishala saw a great lake with lotus flowers blooming all around it. A magnificent palace shone like a jewel in the lake's centre. This dream was interpreted as a sign that her child would achieve great prosperity, fame, and glory and be celebrated worldwide. On the auspicious day of the birth of Lord Mahavir, there was a grand celebration in the palace. The king ordered that all the prisoners be released, and the poor be fed in honour of his son's birth.

As the queen gave birth, it is said that she experienced no pain, and the child emerged from her womb completely clean and pure. The baby was named Vardhamana, which means "one who grows" or "one who increases" in Sanskrit.

As Vardhamana grew up, he was blessed with intelligence, compassion, and spiritual inclination. He spent his childhood learning from various gurus, mastering the arts of warfare, and studying the scriptures. Lord Mahavir was married to Yashoda and had a daughter named Anojja. However, he renounced his family life at 30 and left them to pursue his spiritual journey.

Lord Mahavir grew up to be a great ascetic and philosopher, preaching the principles of Jainism like-

• Ahimsa (non-violence),
• Anekantavada (the doctrine of non-absolutism),
• Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

How to celebrate Mahavir Janma Kalyanak?

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is celebrated in India and other countries with significant Jain populations, such as Nepal, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Jains organise cultural events, processions, and exhibitions in many places to spread awareness about Jainism and its principles.

On this occasion, Jain devotees visit temples, offer prayers, perform charitable acts, and participate in religious processions. Many Jains also observe a day-long fast, meditate, and listen to discourses on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir.

Devotees decorate the temples and light lamps in honour of Lord Mahavir's birth.

Importance of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak festival holds great significance in the Jain community, as it signifies the following-

Celebrations of the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir -

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak serves as an occasion for Jains to celebrate the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir. Jains remember his teachings of non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion towards all living beings. It helps create awareness about Jainism, its principles, and its philosophy.

Inspiring devotion and faith -

The festival inspires devotion and faith in the hearts of Jains. It is an opportunity for Jains to reconnect with their spiritual roots and recommit themselves to the path of spirituality.

Spreading the message of peace -

The festival promotes the message of peace and non-violence. Lord Mahavir's teachings emphasise the importance of ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings. The festival reinforces the message of peace and harmony in society.

Community bonding -

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is a festival that brings the Jain community together. Jain devotees visit temples, organise processions, and participate in cultural events, which help foster a sense of community and togetherness among the Jain community.

Charitable acts -

Many Jain devotees observe a day-long fast and perform charitable acts on this occasion. It is a way to express gratitude towards the almighty and contribute to the welfare of society.

Interesting facts about Mahavir Janma Kalyanak

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is an important festival and is some interesting facts and the significance of the festival:

• The concept of Ahimsa was introduced by Lord Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, but Lord Mahavir popularised it and made it a central tenet of Jain philosophy.
• Lord Mahavir is believed to have fasted for 30 consecutive days on several occasions, a remarkable feat of self-control and discipline.
• Lord Mahavir is also credited with developing the Jain logic and philosophy system, known as the Syadavada or Anekantavada.
• Lord Mahavir is often depicted in Jain art and iconography as sitting on a lion's throne, symbolising his spiritual power and authority.
• Lord Mahavir is believed to have achieved Nirvana or complete liberation from the cycle of birth and death at 72.