Happy Mahavir Jayanti 2014

April 13, 2014: Mahavir Jayanti, also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is the most auspicious and celebrated event in Jainism. Mahavir Jayanti is the birth date of Lord Mahavir and falls under April 14th in 2014 (based on the Gregorian calendar), but can shift days every year due to the difference in the Hindu calendar system and the western Gregorian calendar. Lord Mahavira’s birth year was 599 BCE (before Christ existed).

On Mahavir Jayanti, aside from visiting local Jain temples, many Jains wash and bathe moorthies (idols) of Lord Mahavir during a religious ceremony known as Abhisheka. On Lord Mahavira’s birthday, many devotees use this day as a reminder of good deeds and therefore engage in chartible donations or tasks, such as saving cows from slaughterhouses or saving other living beings.

Many Hindus, especially in Gujarat also celebrate Mahavir Jayanti and visit Jain temples to give donations and give their respects.

Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world, and originated in ancient India via the Hindu Dharma umbrella. There are about 5 million practicing Jains worldwide, most of who live in India peacefully with Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs and are known most for their extreme beliefs in non-violence and animal rights (rights for all living things).

The Chakra team wishes all Jains and followers of Mahavir Jayanti to have an auspicious day. Below is a beautiful bhajan (religious song) of Mahavir Chalisa.