Why in the News?

• The 2625th birth anniversary of Jainism's Tirthankara Lord Mahavir Swami Ji was celebrated in Bihar.

Key Points:

About Mahavir Jayanti:

⇒ Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most sacred festivals in the Jain community.

⇒ This day marks the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th or last Tirthankara and successor of Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara .

⇒ According to Jain texts, He was born on the 13th day of the Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra month .

⇒ According to the Gregorian calendar, Mahavir Jayanti is usually celebrated in the month of March or April.

⇒ A procession is taken out with the idol of Lord Mahavira, which is called Rath Yatra .

⇒ While reciting sthavanas or Jain prayers, the idols of the deities are given a ceremonial bath called abhishekam.

About Lord Mahavira:

⇒ Lord Mahavir Swami left an indelible mark on humanity through his profound spiritual practices and teachings .

⇒ Lord Mahavira's name in his childhood was Vardhamana which means 'the one who grows'.

⇒ During his twelve years of spiritual practice, Lord Mahavira demonstrated four extraordinary qualities :

• Intense and uninterrupted meditation: His unbroken meditation helped him achieve profound insights.
• Severe penance: He endured extreme physical suffering to purify his soul.
• Tolerance of pain: Mahavira Swami demonstrated amazing tolerance. Best Balance: His inner balance remained stable.

⇒ On the tenth day of Vaisakha, Mahavira's journey reached a decisive moment.

⇒ To these 5 teachings, Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity) was added by Mahavira.