What is Mahavira Janma Kalyanak?

April 4th was the birth anniversary Bhagwan Mahavir, called Mahavira Janma Kalyanak or Mahavir Jayanti, and the largest holiday celebrated by Jains across the world. This holiday occurs on the 13th day of the rising moon of caitra in the Jain calendar.

Bhagwan Mahavir was the 24th Tirthankar (enlightened one) of Jain tradition born in 599 BCE. This year’s birth anniversary will mark 2,621 years since the birth of this teacher of peace.

His message of ahi?sā (non-violence), aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and Anekāntavāda (non-absolutism) are universal in nature and have been a guiding force for generations of Jains, and even cultures in the Indus Valley Civilization.

He was the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. On the night of conception his mother, Trishala, dreamed of 14 (Svetambara) or 16 (Digambara) different auspicious symbols which the astrologers told her meant that this child would be a Tirthankar.?

It is also said that when Lord Mahavira was in the womb of his mother, the whole kingdom felt happiness and the kingdom was free from any kind of diseases because Mahavira was expected to be born. Lord Indra, a primary Vedic (ancient Indian) deity, himself bathed Mahavira after birth because that was a ritual for all Tirthankaras to undergo.

Lord Mahavira laid down the basic principles of Jainism, which includes the five principles of satya (truth), ahi?sā (non-violence), acaurya? (non-stealing), bhramacarya (non-indulgence in pleasure), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

The auspicious day of Mahavīra Janma Kalyanak is celebrated across the global Jain diaspora. Jains visit Jain temples, perform various pujas (rituals), and fast to honor it. On this day, people try to remember the teachings of Lord Mahavira and make the promise to not hurt any being in the future.