Mahavir Jayanti has a lot of religious
significance for people belonging to the Jain religion. It is observed
to celebrate the birthday of the great Lord Mahavira, who was born at
Kshatriyakund near modern Patna in Bihar in 599 BC. According to the
Gregorian calendar, the Mahavir Jayanti festival falls during the period
between March and April. As a part of Mahavir Jayanthi celebrations, the
Jain temples are beautifully adorned with flags.
The day begins with the performance of ceremonial bath, in which people
bath the idol of Lord Mahavira. This ceremonial bath is more popularly
known as 'abhishek'. The idol of Lord Mahavira is then placed in a
cradle and taken for procession. The worshippers congregate in the
temple and offer rice, milk, fruits and water to Lord Mahavir.
At various places, lectures are conducted to impart the teachings of
Mahavir Swami. The basic idea is to make people understand the real
virtues of life. On this day, people spend time meditating and praying
to the Lord. People give donations to save the cows from getting
slaughtered. People come from different parts of the country and throng
the ancient temples located at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on the
Jain festival of Mahavir Jayanti.
