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Festival Profile

Mahavir Jayanti

Birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, a day of Jain devotion.

All festivals

Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, a day of devotion and the remembrance of his teachings of non-violence.

Stories behind the festival

The last Tirthankara

Kali Yuga
Vardhamana Mahavira was born a prince but renounced the world at thirty, meditated and attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). He preached non-violence, truth and self-discipline, becoming the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
Jain tradition

Why we celebrate

Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, a day of devotion and the remembrance of his teachings of non-violence.
Jain tradition

When

Mahavir Jayanti falls on the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra (March-April).

Since when it is followed

Mahavira is traditionally placed in the 6th century BCE; his birth anniversary has been observed since ancient times.
Jain tradition

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated by Jains worldwide.

Origin

The origin is the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira in 599 BCE in Kundagrama, who became the 24th Tirthankara.
Jain historical tradition (599 BCE)

Key deities

Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.

How to celebrate

Visit Jain temples, perform abhishek of the idol, chant prayers, and recall Mahavira's teachings of ahimsa (non-violence) and truth.

Rituals & offerings

Abhishek, puja, recitation of Mahavira's teachings, and processions of the idol.

Key facts

Mahavira's symbol in Jainism is the lion.
Jain tradition