Jainism & Significance of Mahavir Jayanti

Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world. The word Jainism originated from the name ‘Jina’ (Victor). The first Tirthankara was Rishabhanatha, also known as Rishabhadeva was the founder of Jainism. In Jainism, Tirthankara is a savior who has crossed life’s stream of rebirths and has made a path for others to follow. Mahavira (6th century BCE) was the last Tirthankara to appear. According to Jain tradition, the teachings of Jainism were the work of 24 Tirthankara’s or Spiritual Gurus. The Jains believe that Jainism is as old as the Vedic religion.

Life-History of Mahavira

Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, born in the early part of the 6th century BCE in a royal Kshatriya Jain family in ancient India. His mother’s name was Trishala Mata and his father’s name was Siddhartha. He also had an older sister and a younger brother. Though Vardhamana was instructed in all branches of knowledge, he showed more interest in spiritual matters. He was married to a beautiful princess, Yashoda, and a daughter was born to them.

When Mahavir was about 30 years old, he renounced his comfortable life and became an ascetic (a person who practices self-denial and abstains from worldly pleasures for religious reasons). For the next 12 years, he wandered as a beggar living a life of severe self-denial. At the age of 42, he achieved enlightment while meditation under a tree. After that, he spent the next 30 years teaching his followers the principles of Jainism. He travelled from place to place teaching his doctrines. He received support from the royal families of Kosala, Magadha, Avanti, etc. Jains around the world celebrate Mahavir Jayanti to commemorate the birth anniversary of the 24th Tirthankara Lord Mahavira.

Teachings of Mahavira and Main Doctrines of Jainism

1. The Five Vows: Mahavir laid great emphasis on the principle of Ahimsa. He said all creatures, animals and plants possess life. No harm should be caused to any living creatures. Besides Ahimsa, the Jains were required to take vows of not telling a lie, not to steal, non-attachment to worldly things and celibacy, i.e., Brahmacharya.
2. No Belief in God: Mahavir did not believe in the existence of God. He has no faith in the theory that God created the world. According to him, man is responsible for his own destiny. Emancipation from suffering does not depend upon any outside power. Man can escape from his misery and suffering only through leading a life of renunciation.
3. Nirvana or Salvation: Mahavira accepted the current theories of Karma and rebirth. The main aim of one’s life is to attain salvation. Man can be liberated from the cycle of birth and rebirth by following the Triratana – right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. The right conduct required taking the five vows which have been mentioned earlier.
4. Rejection of Vedic Rituals and Yajnas: The Jains do not attach any importance to the meaningless rites and ceremonies and the sacrificial rituals.
5. To treat People on an Equal Basis and Opposition to the Caste System: Mahavira believed in the equality of all human beings. All have the right to attain Nirvana by leading a pure life. He preached that there should not be any discrimination on grounds of caste. He even favored the freedom of women and allowed them to join the Jain Sangha.
6. Belief in Penance: The Jains believe in Penance. They were directed to live strict lives. To starve oneself to death was regarded as a great virtue.

Ahimsa – The Crux of Jainism

According to the Jain scriptures, food or water should be consumed only before sunset because when the temperature dips, bacteria in the air increase and settle on the food. Consuming any food or water in the post-twilight is equivalent to killing living beings in Jainism. Jain ascetics sweep the ground before them to avoid injuring the most miniscule form of life. Jains also try to minimize violence even to plants. They avoid eating root vegetable such as onions, garlics, beets, carrots, and potatoes. They also should not drink alcohol.

Customs and Rituals

Jains worship Jina idols, bowing to the idols and lighting lamp in front of the idols is an ideal way to start a day for many Jains. The holy book of Jainism is known as Agam Sutras. It consists of the teachings of Lord Mahavira that were methodically compiled by his disciples.

Places of Worship

There are a number of beautiful Jain temples in India. These temples are magnificent master pieces of architecture, carvings, sculptures, and layout. Ranakpur Jain temple (Rajasthan), Dilwara temple (Rajasthan), Gommateshwara temple (Karnataka), Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir (Delhi), Palitana temple (Gujarat) are some of the few famous Jain temples.

Art and Architecture

The contribution of Jainism to Indian architecture is praiseworthy. In the early years of the second century BC, they erected stupas, built of stone, to honor their saints. They built many rock-cut cave temples. The famous caves in Ellora in Maharashtra are fine examples of their architecture and sculpture. The colossal statue of Gommatesvara at Shravan Belgola in Karnataka is another example of their skill in sculpture. The beautiful Jain temples at Mt. Abu in Rajasthan are some of the best specimens of Jain architecture.

Festivals Of Jainism

1. Paryushana Mahaparva
   • Jains fast for 8 days at a time
2. Navpad Oli
   • It lasts for 9 days and occurs twice a year. Jains worship the 9 supreme entities of the universe throughout this festival, many Jains complete Ayambil Tap, which means to eat once in a day
3. Mahavir Jayanti
   • The birthday of 24th Tirthankara is celebrated on the 13th day of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Chaitra.
   • Jains carry out processions (Rath Yatra), visit temples, give offerings to the poor, meditate and chant hymns in praise of Lord Mahavira on this auspicious occasion.
   • Lord Mahavira dedicated His life to the teachings of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment. Jainism places great emphasis on achieving world peace and harmony in a manner that causes little to no harm to living beings.
   • Bhagavan Baba mentions that Mahavira is a conqueror of His senses (Jina). Once he has conquered His senses the title “Mahavira” (victorious) was given to him. Swamy too has spoken elaborately about sense control and mastering the mind to become a “mastermind”.
4. Diwali
   • Diwali is celebrated on the new-moon day of Kartik. On the night of that day, Mahavir Swamy attained a state of absolute bliss.
5. Bhai Beej
   • The festival day for brothers. The sister invites her brothers to felicitate him.
6. Gyan Panchami
   • Celebrated on the 5th day of Diwali, this day has been fixed for the worship of pure knowledge.

They also celebrate Maun Ekadashi (the holy day of observing silence) and also celebrate Akshaya Tritiya (the founder Rishabhadeva got his aahaar of sugarcane juice from King Shreyansa)

Jain Digambaras and Svetambaras

Initially, Jainism was most prevalent in North India. But it is beyond doubt that the influence of Jainism in South India was due to Bhadrabahu’s preachings. It is believed that a terrible famine broke out in Magadha. Bradrabahu with his followers went to Karnataka, leaving Sthulabhadra incharge of the Jain sect in Magadha. The famine continued for nearly 12 years. At the end of the famine the emigrants came back to Magadha. On their return from the South India, the Jains found that the Jain Monks had given up some of the basics doctrines and beliefs of Jainism. There developed some differences between Bhadrabahu and Sthulbhadra. Because of this, after Mahavira’s Nirvana, Jainism was divided into two sects – the Svetambarams (clad in white) and the Digambaras (Sky-clad or naked).

Jainism and Minimalistic Living Practices

Recently minimalism is becoming popular and even young generation is adopting the concept of minimalism where people keep minimum possessions.

For the Jains, it is not a new concept, but 2500 years ago, Mahavira included vow of Aparigraha (non-possession) as one of the five most important vows.

In Jainism also, the truth (Swami referring to recognition of the one Divine in all beings) was taught by Mahavira. Understanding and following these principles by children and adults alike should be a priority for a moral and a divine world to bloom.