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In Jainism, Mahavir Jayanti is the most important religious holiday. It celebrates of the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. He was born on the 13th day of the rising moon of Chaitra, in either 599 BC or 615 BC (depending on religious tradition).

On Mahavir Jayanthi, Jain temples are decorated with flags. In the morning the idol of Mahavira is given a ceremonial bath called the ‘abhishek’. It is then placed in a cradle and carried in a procession around the neighbourhood. The devotees will make offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to the people in procession. Some sections of the community even participate in a grand procession. Lectures are held to preach the path of virtue. People meditate and offer prayers. Donations are collected to save the cows from slaughter. Pilgrims from all parts of the country visit the ancient Jain Temples at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on this day.

Mahavir Jayanti is regarded as the main Jain festival of the year. The festival is celebrated in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. According to the Digambar school of Jainism, Lord Mahavira was born in the year 615 BC, but the Swetambaras believe that He was born in 599 BC. But both the sects believed that Mahavira was the son of Siddhartha and Trisala. According to the legend, Devananda, wife of a Brahmin named Rishabhdeva, conceived him. The gods, ingeniously, transferred the embryo to the womb of Trisala. According to Swetambara sect the expectant mother was believed to have seen 14 auspicious dreams. And according to Digambara sect it was 16 dreams. The Astrologers interpreted these dreams, stated that the child would be either an emperor or a Teerthankar.

The entire Jain community through out the country celebrates Mahavir Jayanti. On this auspicious day, grand chariot processions with the images of Mahavira are taken out, rich ceremonies are held in the temples, fasts and charities are observed, The Jains observes religious events on this day. They visit the sacred sites and worship the Teerthankars on this day. The event hold special significance in Gujarat and Rajasthan due to the ancient shrines at Girnar and Palitana In Kolkata, too this festival is celebrated with great fervor at the Parasnath temple. Even at Pawapuri in Bihar Mahavir Jayanti holds a special significance. Lord mahavir was a great teacher, his philosophies and teachings taught mankind the true path of happiness. His teachings on complete non-violence and importance of austerity showed us the path to achieve salvation and spirituality.

Mahavir Jayanti is also celebrated during the 8 day holy period of Paryushan. During this period, pre-defined readings are carried out from a holi scripture - Kalpa Sutra that contains biographies of Jain Tirthankars. Biography of Mahavir Swami, particularly His birth, is read on the day of Mahavir Jayanti.

Online Resources
Mahavir Jayanti - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In Jainism, Mahavir Jayanti is the most important religious holiday. It celebrates of the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. …
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavir_Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti 2008 - Mahavir Jayanti Festival Information.
Mahavir Jayanti 2008 - Gifts for Mahavir Jayanti and Festival Information, know why Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated.
festivals.tajonline.com/mahavir-jayanti.php

Mahavir Jayanti Celebration - Mahavir Jayanti Festival India …
Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. Mahavir Jayanti is one of the biggest Jain festivals in India.
www.festivalsinindia.net/mahavir-jayanti/index.html

Mahavir Jayanti
The main Jain festival. Mahavir Jayanti the Birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira.
www.theholidayspot.com/mahavirjayanti/

Mahavir Jayanti - Festivals
Who was Saint Mahavir? What is Mahavir Jayanti? Read on to find out.
www.indiaparenting.com/indianculture/festivals/fest022.shtml

Mahavir Jayanti
Provides the ultimate web resource for celebration of the Jain festival of Mahavir jayanti.
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Mahavir Jayanthi, Mahavir Jayanthi Festival, Jain’s Festivals …
Mahavir Jayanthi, Mahavir Jayanthi Festival, Jain’s Festivals, Festivals of Jain, Legends behind Mahavir Jayanthi, Stories of Mahavir Jayanthi, …
www.festivalsofindia.in/Mahavir/ -

Festivals of India - MAHAVIR JAYANTI
On the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra Mahavir Jayanti (birthday) is celebrated. Vardhaman Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar (guide), …
www.aryabhatt.com/fast_fair_festival/Festivals/Mahavir%20Jayanti.htm

JainNet : Festivals
The birthday of Lord Mahaveer is called “Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak” and also popularly known as Mahaveer Jayanti. Five hundred and forty-three years before …
www.jainnet.com/festivals/index.html

Free Mahavir Jayanti Ecards, Mahavir Jayanti Greeting Cards …
It’s Mahavir Jayanti, the Birth Anniversary of the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavir. Celebrate the occasion with family/friends/loved ones and send them …
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