- Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi
- Usually March or April
- Kept by Svetambara and Digambara Jains
Where it began
Jain tradition holds that Mahavira was born as Vardhamana in Kundagrama, near Vaishali in Bihar, to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Legend says his mother saw auspicious dreams before his birth.
He left royal life at thirty, practised long years of meditation and gained kevala jnana, perfect knowledge. He taught non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity and non-attachment.
How it grew over time
6th or 5th century BCE
Mahavira is born and later teaches in the Ganges plains.
Ancient times
Jain communities spread his teachings across India.
Medieval period
Great Jain temples rise in places such as Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Today
Mahavir Jayanti is a public holiday in India.
How it is celebrated in different places
Bihar
Pilgrims visit Kundagrama and Pawapuri, places linked with his life.
Gujarat and Rajasthan
Temples hold rath yatra processions and the ritual bathing of the idol.
Karnataka
Jain communities near Shravanabelagola hold prayers and processions.
UK, US and Kenya
Jain centres hold prayers, talks and shared vegetarian meals.
Mahavir Jayanti today
Jains visit temples, bathe the idol of Mahavira in an abhisheka, join processions with his image and listen to his teachings. Many fast, and give food, clothes and money to people and animals in need.
