Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is a festival celebrated by the Jain community to commemorate the birth of the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir. It is one of the most important festivals in the Jain religion and is celebrated with much pomp and grandeur. It is celebrated on the 13th day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra.
History of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak
Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is an ancient festival that has been celebrated for centuries. It is believed that Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BC in Kundalagrama near Vaishali, India. According to Jain mythology, Lord Mahavir was born to a king and queen who belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty. He was born in a royal family and was given the name Vardhamana. He was a prince who renounced all worldly pleasures and devoted his life to the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.
When to Celebrate Mahavir Janma Kalyanak
Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is celebrated on the 13th day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra. This usually falls between the months of March and April. It is a public holiday in India and is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion.In 2024, it will be celabrated on 21st April.
Significance of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak
Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is a special day for the Jain community as it marks the birth of Lord Mahavir. Lord Mahavir is believed to be the 24th Tirthankar of the Jain religion. He is considered to be a great teacher and spiritual leader who spread the teachings of Jainism to the masses. He is also believed to be the founder of Jainism. He is revered by the Jain community and his teachings are followed by them even today.
How to Celebrate Mahavir Janma Kalyanak
Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion. On this day, devotees gather in Jain temples and recite prayers and hymns in praise of Lord Mahavir. Devotees also perform rituals such as taking a holy bath and offering flowers and fruits to the deity. Special poojas are also performed in the temples and devotees offer their prayers to Lord Mahavir.
Apart from this, devotees also observe a fast on this day and abstain from eating and drinking. They also observe a vow of silence for a period of time. This is done to show respect and devotion to Lord Mahavir.
Summary
Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is a festival celebrated by the Jain community to commemorate the birth of the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir. It is one of the most important festivals in the Jain religion and is celebrated with much pomp and grandeur. It is celebrated on the 13th day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra. On this day, devotees gather in temples and recite prayers and hymns in praise of Lord Mahavir. Devotees also perform rituals such as taking a holy bath and offering flowers and fruits to the deity. Special poojas are also performed in the temples and devotees offer their prayers to Lord Mahavir.
You can explore other festivals such as Durga Puja and Ram Navami.