Mahavir Jayanti 2026: Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Mahavir Swami, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. This year Mahavir Jayanti is on 31 March 2026. Mahavir Swami taught that man can purify the soul and attain salvation by control of senses, truthful conduct and penance.
On this day, the Jain community remembers the teachings of Lord Mahavir on non-violence, truth, non-violence, celibacy and non-observance and take inspiration from his life and take a pledge to follow religion, kindness and restraint.
Who are Tirthankaras in Jainism?
According to Jain texts Tattvarthasutra and Kalpasutra, Tirthankara is that divine person who, through right philosophy, right knowledge and right character, completely purifies the soul and attains Kevaljnana. After this, he establishes the path of pilgrimage (path) of religion and shows it to the people of the world as the path to salvation.
This is the reason why he is called Tirtha + Karta = Tirthankar, that is, one who creates the path of religion.
Who is Mahavir Swami?
Jainism believes that after 12 years of rigorous silent penance, Lord Mahavir conquered his senses and because of being fearless, tolerant and non-violent, he was named Mahavir. At the age of 72, he attained salvation from Pawapuri. Mahavir Swami gave such ideals which show a person the path to spiritual progress, moral life and establishing peace in the society.
What do you do on Mahavir Jayanti?
- Special puja and consecration in temples – In the morning, in Jain temples, the idol of Lord Mahavir is anointed with water, milk, saffron and sandalwood. After this aarti, puja and mangal recitation is performed.
- Taking out procession (rath yatra) – In many cities, a grand procession is taken out carrying the statue of Lord Mahavir in a decorated chariot. It consists of bhajans, kirtans and religious tableaus.
- Fasting and meditation – Many devotees observe fast or special fast on this day and spend time in meditation and devotion of Lord Mahavir.
- Recitation and discourse of Jain texts – On this day, texts of Jainism like Kalpasutra are recited and Acharyas or saints give sermons on the teachings of Mahavir Swami.
- Charity and service- On this day, people donate food, clothes and money to the poor and to show compassion towards living beings, they feed grains to birds and fodder to animals. It is said that as a result of this a person gets freedom from all the troubles and the path to salvation becomes accessible to him.
Major sermons of Mahavir Swami
- Ahimsa – not causing harm to any living being
- Truth – always speaking the truth
- Asteya – Do not steal
- Brahmacharya – control over senses
- Aparigraha – not accumulating much
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