Mahavir Jayanti, also known as Mahavira Janma Kalyanak is the most special and celebrated festival in the dharmic religion of Jainism. It is also very auspicious among many Hindus. Mahavir Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir and falls under April 2nd in 2015 (based on the Gregorian calendar), but can shift days every year due to the difference in the Hindu calendar system and the western Gregorian calendar. Lord Mahavira’s birth year was 599 BCE (before Christ existed).
On Mahavir Jayanti, aside from visiting local Jainism temples, many Jains wash and bathe murthis (statues) of Lord Mahavir during a holy ceremony known as Abhisheka. On Lord Mahavir’s birthday, many devotees use this day as a reminder of good deeds and therefore engage in charitable donations or tasks, such as saving cows (gaus) from slaughterhouses or saving other living beings such as chickens, pigs and dogs.
Hindus, mainly based in Gujarat celebrate Mahavir Jayanti with great joy and visit Jain temples to give donations and give their respects.
Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world, and originated in ancient India via the Hindu Dharma religion/culture. There are about 5 million practicing Jains worldwide, most of who live in India peacefully with Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs and are known most for their extreme beliefs in non-violence and animal rights (rights for all living things).
The Chakra News wishes all Jains, Hindus and followers of Lord Mahavir that they are blessed on Mahavir Jayanti. Below is a beautiful bhajan (aka dharmic religious song) of Shri Mahavira.