Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Traditions and rituals to follow

Here are some of the traditions and rituals you must not forget on Mahavir Jayanti 2023:

• Visiting Jain temples: Jains visit their local Jain temples on this day to offer prayers and seek blessings from the deity. Moreover, devotees decorate the temples with flowers and lights and perform special puja rituals in the morning and arti at the night.
• Fasting: Many Jains observe a day-long fast on Mahavir Jayanti. Indeed it is a way of purifying the body and mind, and focusing on spiritual pursuits.
• Reading and studying Jain texts: Many Jains spend time reading and studying Jain texts, such as the Agamas, which contain the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
• Charity and donations: Jains believe in the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, and therefore, many of them donate to charitable organizations on this day.
• Processions and parades: Many Jains organize processions and parades on this day, with devotees dressed in traditional attire and carrying colorful flags and banners. The processions are accompanied by music, chanting, and the distribution of sweets.
• Lectures and discourses: Many Jain scholars and spiritual leaders deliver lectures and discourses on the teachings of Lord Mahavir and the principles of Jainism.
• Offering food to the poor: Many Jains distribute food and other essentials to the poor and needy on this day, as a way of practicing the principle of ahimsa and selfless service.

How to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti in 2023?

On this day, Jains all over the world celebrate by participating in various religious and cultural activities. Here are some of the ways in which you can celebrate Mahavir Jayanti 2023:

• Prayers and rituals: Jains offer prayers and perform special rituals in honor of Lord Mahavir. They visit Jain temples, perform puja, and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity.
• Processions and parades: Many Jains organize processions and parades on this day, with devotees dressing in traditional attire and carrying colorful flags and banners. Hence, the processions accompany the music, chanting, and distribution of sweets.
• Lectures and discourses: Many Jain scholars and spiritual leaders deliver lectures and discourses on the teachings of Lord Mahavir and the principles of Jainism.
• Charity and donations: Jains believe in the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, and therefore, many of them donate to charitable organizations on this day.
• Fasting: Many Jains observe a day-long fast on Mahavir Jayanti. They do so to highlight it as a way of purifying the body and mind, and focusing on spiritual pursuits.

Teachings of Lord Mahavir

Lord Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, taught the principles of non-violence, compassion, and self-discipline, which form the foundation of Jain philosophy. Here are some of his key teachings:

• Ahimsa (non-violence): This is the most important principle of Jainism, and Lord Mahavir taught that all living beings are equal and should be treated with respect and compassion. Jains believe in avoiding harm to all living creatures, including animals and insects, and follow a strict vegetarian diet.
• Karma and reincarnation: Lord Mahavir taught that every action has consequences and that our actions in this life will determine our future rebirths. Thus, Jains believe in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and strive to achieve liberation from this cycle by living a life of purity and detachment.
• Self-discipline: Lord Mahavir believed in the importance of self-discipline and self-control as a means of achieving spiritual progress. Thus, Jains practice strict asceticism, including fasting, celibacy, and renunciation of material possessions.
• Equality: Lord Mahavir taught that all human beings are equal, regardless of caste, gender, or social status. He highlights the importance of treating others with respect and compassion and advocates for social justice and equality.
• Truth and non-attachment: Lord Mahavir highlights the importance of truthfulness and non-attachment. Moreover, he believed that attachment to material possessions and worldly desires was the root of all suffering. Thus, Jains practice meditation and self-reflection as a means of overcoming attachment and achieving spiritual enlightenment.