Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated tomorrow, on 5th April. I am pleased to publish here a special article by Mr Sudhir Jain on this occasion. Greetings to all on Mahavir Jayanti !!
MAHAVIR JAYANTI
- Sudhir Jain
Mahavir Jayanti has a lot of religious significance for people belonging to the Jain religion. It is observed to celebrate the birthday of Bhagwan Mahavir, who was the last (24th) Tirthankara of the Jain religion.
He was born on Chaitra Shukla 13th, 599 B.C. at the Vaishali (Bihar) as a prince. At the age of 30, he left his family and royal household, gave up his worldly possessions, including clothing and become a monk. He spent the next twelve years in deep silence and meditation to conquer his desires and feelings. He went without food for long periods.
He carefully avoided harming or annoying other living beings including animals, birds, and plants. His ways of meditation, days of austerities, and mode of behaviour furnish a beautiful example for monks and nuns in religious life. His spiritual pursuit lasted for twelve years. At the end he realised perfect perception, knowledge, power, and bliss. This realisation is known as keval-jnana. At the age of 72 he died and got Nirwan at Pawapuri.
His original name was VARDHAMAN (Prosperous) but later he was called Mahavir, which means The Great Hero. He was also called as VEER and SANMATI. He extensively travelled and preached in the areas of Bihar and Bengal. His followers named their places after his name. Here I am exhibiting cancellations of some Post Offices bearing his name.
Mr Sudhir Jain may be contacted at email : sudhirjain@unistar.co.in
