(Image source from: Timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

All about Mahavir Jayanti and its significance:- Mahavir Jayanti marks the birthday of the 24th and last Tirthankara who is named Lord Mahavir. He played an important role in spreading Jainism and this year Mahavir Jayanti falls on April 14th. He was born as the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala as per the reports from the Digambar and Swetambara school of Jainism. Mahavir was born in 599 BC or 615 BC on the 13th day of the month off Chaitra. Mahavir was born in Ahalya Bhumi that was left unploughed for hundreds of years. Lord Mahavir after completing his 30, abandoned all his possessions in the pursuit of a spiritual awakening.

Lord Mahavir practiced intense meditation and austerity for 12 years. He was called as a contemporary of Gautam Buddha. He followed ahimsa or non-violence and said the truth. He supported asteya, brahmacharya and aparigraha. Indrabhuti Gautama was his chief disciple and his teachings were compiled by him as Jain Agamas. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated every year in March or April as per the Gregorian calendar. A procession is carried every year with the idol of the Lord Mahavir on a chariot. The idols of Lord Mahavir are also given a ceremonial anointment which is called popularly as Abhisheka. Jains celebrate Mahavir Jayanti in a grand manner every year and offer prayers, and observe fasts. Several devotees also visit temples and participate in meditation on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti.