Mahavir Jayanti celebrated with SMS and greetings in India

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Teerthankar of Jain religion. Usually it occurs in the months of March or April but this year it is on Sunday, 28 March, 2010. Mahavir, also known as Vardhamana, is the last prophets in the 24 Teerthankaras galaxy. He was one of the greatest Teerthankaras born to Siddhartha and Trishala Devi in the year 599 B.C on the outskirts of Vaishali near Patna.

As a young prince, Mahavir displayed many instances of fearlessness which earned him the name, Mahavir. He was an epitome of physical prowess and intellectual insight. He gave up the comforts of the palace and his kingship and undertook the life of penance for 12 years. He simplified religious procedures and condemned violence in the form of animal sacrifice, superstitions and rituals.

Mahavir Jayanti remembers Lord Mahavir’s teaching, “Do unto others as you would like to be done by. Injury or violence done by you to any life in any from, animal or human is as harmful as it would be if caused to your own self.”

Mahavir initiated a very simple path for the householders, namely, Ahimsa (non injury-physical or mental, to others), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (temperance in sexual pleasure) and Aparigraha (non-acquisition of property). He also enforced upon abstinence from any kind of physical and material comforts for monks and nuns. He laid stress on highest ethical and spiritual discipline and emphasized that the Unity of Life forms is the highest saving principles of mankind.

Mahavir Jayanti reminds people of Lord Mahavira’s message of non-injury to every living being and stressed on the ill effects of never ending human craving that ends up destroying and exploiting other living species. Such human behavior may land them in deadly perils.

Even after 2500 years of passing away of this pious soul, monks till today maintain his pure and upright tradition and spreading Mahavir’s teachings of peace, non-violence, non-injury and brotherhood among people. Thousands of Sanyasins and Sanyasinis walk on foot on Mahavir Jayanti from town to town spreading his messages.

Prime Minster Manmohan Singh and President Smt. Pratibha Patil greeted the nation on this occasion. “Lord Mahavir’s profound message remains a beacon of hope in today’s world,” he said.

President and PM greets people on the ocassion of Mahavir Jayanti

President of India, Pratibha Devisingh Patil in her message on the juncture of Mahavir Jayanti, which is being celebrated tomorrow has said, “On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I convey my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all the people. "

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has greeted the nation on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, which will be will be celebrated in the country on Sunday.

In his message, the Prime Minister said that Lord Mahavir’s life and teachings encourage us to be compassionate and straightforward. They show us the path to a life of cheerfulness and gratification.

May Lord Mahavir’s noble teachings inspire us to work for peace and harmony for the welfare of humanity”. “Lord Mahavir’s thoughtful message remains an inspiration of hope in today’s world.” he added.

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is the most significant religious holiday of Jains. It celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. He was born on the 13th day of the intensifying moon of Chaitra, in 599 BC.

Mahavira left the earth at the age of 71 on the day of Deepavali . But the lamp of peace which he lit continues to glow through the numerous lights of that Festival of Lights.