Mahavira
Mahavira (599-527 BC) was the last Jainist Tirthankara. People call Lord Mahavira by different names such as Vira or Viraprabhu, Sanmati, Vardhamana, Ativira and Gnatputra. When it comes to the values of Jainism, Lord Mahavira deserves a special mention, as he was the one to establish the ethics that are ruling the whole Jain community today. Well, in this article, we will provide you with the Lord Mahavira's biography. To know the complete life history of Mahavir Swami, read on…Life
Lord Mahavira was born at Kshatriyakund near modern Patna in Bihar on the 12th of April in the year 599 BC. His birthday is celebrated as Mahavira Jayanthi every year. He was more popularly known as "Vardhaman". It is due to the fact that, after Mahavira was born, his family prospered and got loads of wealth. People are of the belief that, when Mahavir Swami was born, he was bathed by Lord Indra with celestial milk. Being the son of King Siddartha, he lived his life like a prince. However, when he turned 30, he left his family and turned into an ascetic. He had around 400,000 followers. At the age of 72, this great personality departed for heaven.
Awakening and enlightenment
After having left behind the pleasures of worldly life, he went into the state of deep silence for a period of about twelve and half years. During this period, he learnt to control his feelings and desires. For quite a long time, he went without food. His search for truth and the real virtues of life made people call him Mahavira. Mahavira is a Sanskrit word, which is used to refer to a great hero.
Mahavira Philosophy
The philosophies of Lord Mahavira are based on the sole purpose of improving the quality of life. The basic idea is to attain spiritual excellence by maintaining ethical behavior and following proper code of conduct. Mahavira philosophy primarily consists of metaphysics and ethics. The metaphysics comprise of three main principles, namely, Anekantavada, Syadvada and Karma. The five ethical principles underlying the philosophy of Lord Mahavira are Satya, Ahimsa, Brahmacharya, Asteya, and Aparigraha. More…
Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti has a lot of religious significance for people belonging to the Jain religion. It is observed to celebrate the birthday of the great Lord Mahavira, who was born at Kshatriyakund near modern Patna in Bihar in 599 BC. According to the Gregorian calendar, the Mahavir Jayanti festival falls during the period between March and April. As a part of Mahavir Jayanthi celebrations, the Jain temples are beautifully adorned with flags. More…
Mahavira and Jain Religion
Mahavira and Jain religion are two names that go hand in hand with each other. Mahavir Swami was the last Tirthankara of the Jain religion. Also known as Arihants or Jinas, these Tirthankaras are said to be the Gods of Jains. They are just like any other human being who is born on this earth. But, the difference lies in the fact that, they attain enlightenment through self realization and meditation. Read on to know more about Lord Mahavira & Jain religion.
Lord Mahavira made an incredible contribution in laying down the right code of conduct for Jains. He taught people five main ethical concepts, which are as follows:
Lord Mahavira made an incredible contribution in laying down the right code of conduct for Jains. He taught people five main ethical concepts, which are as follows:
- Nonviolence (Ahimsa) - he taught his people to follow the path of non violence and live harmoniously with each other.
- Non-attachment (Aparigraha) - he asked people to completely detach themselves from the worldly materialistic life.
- Truthfulness (Satya) - he always preached people to speak the truth and not to deceive anyone.
- Chastity (Brahmacharya) - he taught people not to indulge in sensual pleasure.
- Non-stealing (Asteya) - he taught people not to keep an eye on other's property.
Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti has a lot of religious significance for people belonging to the Jain religion. It is observed to celebrate the birthday of the great Lord Mahavira, who was born at Kshatriyakund near modern Patna in Bihar in 599 BC. According to the Gregorian calendar, the Mahavir Jayanti festival falls during the period between March and April. As a part of Mahavir Jayanthi celebrations, the Jain temples are beautifully adorned with flags.
The day begins with the performance of ceremonial bath, in which people bath the idol of Lord Mahavira. This ceremonial bath is more popularly known as 'abhishek'. The idol of Lord Mahavira is then placed in a cradle and taken for procession. The worshippers congregate in the temple and offer rice, milk, fruits and water to Lord Mahavir.
At various places, lectures are conducted to impart the teachings of Mahavir Swami. The basic idea is to make people understand the real virtues of life. On this day, people spend time meditating and praying to the Lord. People give donations to save the cows from getting slaughtered. People come from different parts of the country and throng the ancient temples located at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on the Jain festival of Mahavir Jayanti.
The day begins with the performance of ceremonial bath, in which people bath the idol of Lord Mahavira. This ceremonial bath is more popularly known as 'abhishek'. The idol of Lord Mahavira is then placed in a cradle and taken for procession. The worshippers congregate in the temple and offer rice, milk, fruits and water to Lord Mahavir.
At various places, lectures are conducted to impart the teachings of Mahavir Swami. The basic idea is to make people understand the real virtues of life. On this day, people spend time meditating and praying to the Lord. People give donations to save the cows from getting slaughtered. People come from different parts of the country and throng the ancient temples located at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on the Jain festival of Mahavir Jayanti.
Mahavira Philosophy
The philosophies of Lord Mahavira are based on the sole purpose of improving the quality of life. The basic idea is to attain spiritual excellence by maintaining ethical behavior and following proper code of conduct. Mahavira philosophy primarily consists of metaphysics and ethics. The metaphysics comprise of three main principles, namely, Anekantavada, Syadvada and Karma. The five ethical principles underlying the philosophy of Lord Mahavira are Satya, Ahimsa, Brahmacharya, Asteya, and Aparigraha.
Lord Mahavira had a strong faith in the theory of Karma and he always said that, it is the karma that decides your destiny. Karma means the deeds that you do, which includes both, good as well as bad. The philosophies and teachings of Lord Mahavira are universal truths that are applicable even in the modern world that is plagued by corruption and violence.
He was of the opinion that, in retaliation to anti social elements, if you start behaving aggressive; you will never be able to find any solution. So, it is always better to come to an amicable solution by following the path of non violence. Ultimately, it is Ahimsa that paves way for maintaining harmony. So, if you wish to live your life in a peaceful manner and if tranquility is what you are searching for, then adopt the philosophy of the great personality Lord Mahavira.
Mahavir Swami's teachings
Lord Mahavira had a strong faith in the theory of Karma and he always said that, it is the karma that decides your destiny. Karma means the deeds that you do, which includes both, good as well as bad. The philosophies and teachings of Lord Mahavira are universal truths that are applicable even in the modern world that is plagued by corruption and violence.
He was of the opinion that, in retaliation to anti social elements, if you start behaving aggressive; you will never be able to find any solution. So, it is always better to come to an amicable solution by following the path of non violence. Ultimately, it is Ahimsa that paves way for maintaining harmony. So, if you wish to live your life in a peaceful manner and if tranquility is what you are searching for, then adopt the philosophy of the great personality Lord Mahavira.
Mahavir Swami's teachings
- Always speak the truth
- Control over oneself is very important
- There is no point accumulating loads of wealth that you can't even spend.
- Be honest to all.
- Follow the path of non violence.
- Be compassionate towards living beings.
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