Jains Celebrate Mahavir Jayanti in India
Mahavir Jayanti is regarded as the main Jain festival of the year. The festival is celebrated in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira
He was born on the 13th day of the rising moon of Chaitra, in either 599 BC or 615 BC (depending on religious tradition).The entire Jain community through out the country celebrates Mahavir Jayanti.On Mahavir Jayanthi, Jain temples are decorated with flags.
In the morning the idol of Mahavira is given a ceremonial bath called the 'abhishek'. It is then placed in a cradle and carried in a procession around the neighbourhood. The devotees will make offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to the people in procession. Some sections of the community even participate in a grand procession. Lectures are held to preach the path of virtue. People meditate and offer prayers. Donations are collected to save the cows from slaughter. Pilgrims from all parts of the country visit the ancient Jain Temples at Girr and Palitana in Gujarat on this day.Even at Pawapuri in Bihar Mahavir Jayanti holds a special significance.
Lord mahavir was a great teacher, his philosophies and teachings taught mankind the true path of happiness. His teachings on complete non-violence and importance of austerity showed us the path to achieve salvation and spirituality.
