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Essence of life can be attained through non violence

Mahavira

Lord Mahavir, was born in Kundalagrama, Bihar, as a son to king Siddartha and Queen Trishala. At the age of 30, he renounced his throne and other worldly possessions and spent twelve years of his life as ascetic life. He gave highest respect to all living beings and preached non-violence and about important of life itself. He also set exemplary control over his senses which later earned him the name Mahavira. At the age of 72, he attained nirvana and devoted the rest of his life to preach spiritual freedom. Thus, to mark the birth of Lord Mahavira and his preaching, his followers celebrate Mahavir Jayanti with great fervour.

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated by the Jain community commemorating the auspious occasion the birth of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. It is the most important festival for Jains because Mahavira is the 24th and the last Tirthankara, who preached great philosophy of non violence and essence of life.

Mahavir Jayanti is a sacred festival. The followers across the world celebrate it by taking out processions that might include chariot, horses, elephants, drummers and chanters. Silent prayers are also offered and his preaching is recapitulated in the form of sermons to the followers on this day. Traditional Mahavir Jayanti recipes are also prepared in order to celebrate the festival. Jains celebrate Mahavir Jayanti in a colourful way by decorating the Jain temples with flags and offering alms to the poor people. Donations are collected to save animals from slaughter.

In India, the birth anniversary of Mahavir is more ardently observed in Gujarat and Rajasthan compared to other parts, as a higher number of Jains reside in these states. In the early morning, followers give a ceremonial bath to the statue of Lord Mahavira called ‘abhishek’. The statue is then placed in a beautifully decorated cradle and carried out in a procession. This great man a spiritual guru may enlighten us to give importance to lige and non violence in this twenty first century.

 

Author : Royston J. Pinto

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