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Mahavir Jayanti 2025 marks the 2623rd birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. Mahavir Jayanti 2025 will be observed on April 10, honoring the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
PWOnlyIAS
April 10, 2025
Mahavir Jayanti 2025 is one of the most religious festivals in Jainism, celebrated with great devotion and reverence by Jains across the world. Also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, this day observes the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. Admired for his unconventional and innovative teachings on ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), brahmacharya (chastity), asteya (non-stealing), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness), Mahavir Swami remains an eternal symbol of peace and spiritual awakening.
Mahavir Jayanti 2025 is a significant religious festival commemorating Lord Mahavir’s birth, the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism. Observed with great devotion and spiritual enthusiasm, this day is important in the Jain calendar and reflects the core principles of non-violence, truth, and renunciation taught by Mahavir Swami. The festival unites the Jain community in prayers, processions, and charitable activities across India and the world.
| Mahavir Jayanti 2025 Overview | |
| Event | Details |
| Festival Name | Mahavir Jayanti 2025 |
| Other Name | Mahavir Janma Kalyanak |
| Significance | Birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara |
| Religion | Jainism |
| Date | Thursday, April 10, 2025 |
| Hindu Calendar Date | 13th day of the Chaitra month |
| Celebrated In | India (especially Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar), and by Jains worldwide |
| Key Rituals | Prayers, temple processions, charitable acts, lectures on the life of Mahavira |
| Birthplace of Mahavir Swami | Kundagrama near Vaishali, Bihar |
| Core Teachings | Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha |
According to Jain scriptures, Mahavir Swami, also known as Vardhamana, was born in 599 BCE (according to the Swetambar tradition) or 615 BCE (according to the Digambar tradition) in Kundalagrama, near Vaishali in present-day Bihar. He was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala of the Ikshvaku dynasty.
Legends state that Queen Trisala had 14 auspicious dreams (16, according to Digambars) predicting the birth of a great soul, one who would either become a great emperor or a spiritual savior. Mahavir Swami chose the spiritual path.
At the age of 30, he renounced his royal life and embraced asceticism in pursuit of truth and liberation. After 12 years of intense spiritual practices, he attained Kevalgnan (supreme knowledge) under a sal tree in the forests of Bihar, ultimately attaining Kevalgyana (omniscience) at the age of 42.
From then on, Mahavir Swami sermonised the path of liberation based on non-violence, discipline, and self-restraint. His teachings laid the foundation of Jainism, a religion that emphasizes spiritual purity, environmental harmony, and compassion toward all living beings.
The life of Mahavira is a powerful narrative of self-realization and rejection. After attaining enlightenment, he spent the next 30 years preaching the path of liberation. His teachings were compiled into the Jain Agamas, the canonical scriptures of Jainism.
Source: commons.wikimedia.org
The spiritual principles preached by Mahavir Swami are the foundation of Jainism and remain relevant today. His five core vows are universally followed by Jain monks and encouraged among householders.
| “The greatest mistake of a soul is non-recognition of its real self and can only be corrected by recognising itself”, preached Lord Mahavir.” – Lord Mahavir |
|---|
The principles of Anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints), Syadvada, and Nayavada
Mahavir emphasized that liberation (moksha) can be achieved through right knowledge (samyak jnana), right faith (samyak darshana), and right conduct (samyak charitra).
He attained nirvana at the age of 72 in Pavapuri, Bihar.
The connection between Mahavir Jayanti and Jainism is profound. This day is not just a celebration of a historical figure’s birth but a reminder of the timeless principles of Jain dharma. Jain temples are beautifully decorated, and statues of Mahavir Swami are given ceremonial baths known as abhisheka. Followers engage in prayers, pravachans (spiritual discourses), processions, and charitable acts.
Key rituals and practices during Mahavir Jayanti 2025 will include:
Across India and around the world, Mahavir Jayanti 2025 will be observed with grandness and spiritual fervor. Cities like Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), Palitana and Girnar (Gujarat), and Rishabhdeo and Ranakpur (Rajasthan) become dynamic centers of Jain religious activity during this day. Pilgrims gather in large numbers to participate in rituals and listen to sermons by monks and scholars.
In schools and colleges run by Jain trusts, students present cultural programs, essays, and speeches on the life of Mahavira, spreading awareness about his philosophies and their relevance.
In the modern age, the message of Mahavir Swami holds even greater significance. In a world surrounded by violence, inequality, and environmental destruction, his principles offer a path of healing and transformation. Mahavir Jayanti 2025 provides a moment of reflection for individuals and communities to recommit to the ideals of peace, simplicity, and universal compassion.
The life of Mahavira teaches us that true liberation lies in overcoming ego, attachments, and desires. By following his teachings, one can attain inner peace and contribute to a more harmonious world.
Mahavir Jayanti 2025 is not merely a religious observance; it is a celebration of one of the most profound spiritual legacies known to humanity. Through the Mahavir Swami biography, we discover timeless wisdom that continues to guide millions. By understanding why Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated, one connects deeply with the values of non-violence, truth, and self-realization.
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