Mahavir Jayanti 2023: Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Sage Mahavir

Mahavir Jayanti is the most important celebration for the Jain community and is observed by the Jains living all over the world. Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir.

It was Lord Mahavir who helped in establishing the basics of the religion - Jainism. There were 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism.

Lord Mahavir is believed to have been born on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. The year in which he was born was 599 BC. The birthplace of Lord Mahavir is situated in the area that is known as Pavapuri in Bihar today. After he turned 72 years of age, there is not much mention in the history of his whereabouts.

This year, Mahavir Jayanti falls on 4 April and this day will be observed at a time when the world health crisis due to Coronavirus. The Muhurta for the day is as follows:

This is the 2621th Birth Anniversary of Mahavir Swami. Mahavir Jayanti falls on Tuesday, 04 April 2023. Trayodashi Tithi Begins at 06:24 am on Apr 03, 2023
Trayodashi Tithi Ends at 08:05 am on 04 Apr 2023. He was the 24th and the last Tirthankara.

There are many more fascinating things about Mahavir who basically founded the Jain religion. Read on to know some of the facts that you did not know about Lord Mahavir, on the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.

Even Before His Birth, His Parents Knew That Mahavir Would Become A Great Man

The country was in a state of chaos. The public needed the arrival of a man capable of leading them away from all the chaos. King Siddharta and Queen Trishala were expecting a baby around this time. The Queen would have very beautiful dreams every day. The King met with a wise man and asked him what all the dreams meant. The King was then informed that the baby was no ordinary child and would become a great man when he grew up.

The Many Names Of Lord Mahavir

Lord Mahavir became famous with five different names. He was called Veer, Mahaveer, Ativeer, Sanmati and Vardhaman.

The Story Of Lord Mahavir Leaving His Home

When Mahavir was 28 years old, both his parents passed away. His elder brother, Nandi Vardhan, requested him to stay with him and he honoured that request for two more years. At the age of 30, he had deeksha and as a result, left his home. He gave up his kingdom and family and went forth into the world on the Krishna Dashami of Margashirsha month.

Meditation Of Lord Mahavir

Lord Mahavir spent the next 12 years in deep meditation. In the end, as a result of all his hard and intense prayers, he received enlightenment. He was 42 years old at that time.

The Method To Reach Salvation

Lord Mahavir taught the world the way to salvation. It has five pathways. One should practice them to attain salvation after his time on earth is done. The five ways are truth, avoiding theft, tolerance, pure mind and not collecting or storing anything in excess.

Lord Mahavir Attaining Salvation - Moksha

In a place known as Pavapuri, Lord Mahavir passed away at the age of 72. It is said that he attained Nirvana on that day too. His life ended with a legacy that he left behind. He taught the world the principle of 'Live and let live' and taught people to live in peace and harmony. His teachings and his life shall always be an example for his devotees and followers and will help them lead peaceful and harmonious life.