Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi
Mahavir Jayanti
Also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak
Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara of Jainism, on Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi. It is the most important festival of the Jain calendar.
2026
Tuesday, 31 March 2026
2027
Monday, 19 April 2027
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Significance
Mahavir gave Jainism its enduring shape, teaching the five great vows: non-violence (ahimsa), truth, non-stealing, chastity and non-attachment. The day celebrates his life and the path of compassion and self-restraint he set out for all beings.
How Mahavir Jayanti is observed
Jain temples are decorated and the image of Mahavir given a ceremonial abhisheka; devotees join rath-yatra processions, offer prayers and alms, undertake fasts, and reaffirm the vow of ahimsa through acts of charity and kindness.
FAQ
Who was Bhagwan Mahavir?
The twenty-fourth Tirthankara of Jainism, born in the 6th century BCE, whose teachings of ahimsa (non-violence) and non-attachment shaped the Jain faith.
How is Mahavir Jayanti observed?
With temple ceremonies and the abhisheka of Mahavir’s image, processions, prayer, fasting and charity: above all a renewal of the vow of non-violence.
What are the five vows Mahavir taught?
Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity) and Aparigraha (non-attachment).
Around the same season
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