Celebrate Mahavir Jayanti 2025: A Tribute to the Spiritual Guide of Jainism

Who was Lord Mahavir?

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated as the birth of Lord Mahavir. He was born on Vardhamana in 599 BCE in Kundagrama (present Bihar in India), Lord Mahavir renounced his princely life to achieve spiritual enlightenment. He spread the core Jain Principles Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (Truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahamacharya(celibacy) and Aparigraha(non-attachment).His philosophy became the foundation of Jainism. 

Life of Lord Mahavira: 

Lord Mahavir took birth on the 13th day of the waxing moon according to Jain texts and religious scripts. He took birth in the Chaitra Month (Hindu calendar) in Kundalagrama now Kundalpur in Bihar. At that time, Vaishali was considered to be the capital of the state. Mahavira was born in 599 BC according to Swetambar Jains while the Digambar Jains consider 615 BC as his birth year. He was named Vardhaman by his parents- King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala.When Mahavira was 30 , he left his throne and family in search of truth. He lived in exile for 12 years as an ascetic. During this time, he preached non-violence treated everyone with reverence. He got the name Mahavira after showing exceptional skills in controlling the senses. When Mahavira was 72, he attained enlightenment (Nirvana). 

How is Mahavir Jayanti Celebrated?

1. Rath Yatra: A group of people come together in a procession where the idol of Mahavira is carried on a chariot through the streets and the devotees sing hymns and recite prayers along the way.

2.Temples: Devotees visit Jain temples to offer prayers, flowers, sweets and other items.

3.Charity: Devotees perform the act of charity by giving food and  clothes to needy people.

4.Ahimsa runs and rallies: Rallies are held to spread Mahavira’s message of non-violence.

  5 Important teachings of Lord Mahavira:

Lord Mahavir’s teachings build the fundamental principles of Jainism that lead men and women towards the path of non-violence, truth, and self-control. His school of thought rests upon five basic vows:

1. 1. Ahimsa (non-violence): This principle states that one should avoid harming any living being either with words or with actions.
   2. Satya (Truth): This principle states that always speak and uphold truth without causing harm.
   3. Asteya (non-stealing): This principle states that do not take anything that is not willingly given.
   4. Brahmacharya(celibacy): This principle states that one must practice self-control over desires.
   5. Aparigraha(non-attachment): Limit material possessions and avoid attachment.

Mahavir jayanti Quotes 2025:

• “Live and let live. Love all, serve all.” 
• “Ahimsa is the highest religion.”
• “A man is seated on the top of a tree in the midst of a burning forest. He sees all living beings perish. But he does not realize that the same fate is soon to overtake him also. That man is a fool.”
• “The greatest mistake of a soul is non-recognition of its real self, and it can only be corrected by recognizing itself.”
• “Anger begets more anger, and forgiveness and love lead to more forgiveness and love.”
• “Silence and self-control is non-violence.”
• “Respect for all living beings is non-violence.      Mahavair Jayanti 2025