Mahavira was also known as Vardhamana and he was born to Siddharth and Priyakarani or popularly Trishala Devi. Siddharth was the king of Kaundinyapura on the outskirts of Vaishali (near Patna in Bihar). Both of the parents were deeply permeated with the philosophy of Jainism preached by Parswanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.
Mahavira demonstrated absolute fearlessness, which earned him the name `Mahavira`. He grew up as a prince, excelling in physical prowess as well as intellectual acumen. When Mahavira left his family at the age of 30, he also gave up all property, wealth, and pleasures and undertook a life of intense penance for more than twelve years. He meditated, fasted, and went without water. After all this, Mahavira tore out his hair and wandered naked with a piece of cloth on his shoulder. He finally became self-illumined. But, not content with his own personal salvation, he chose to become a great human redeemer and hence, started teaching Jainism. Hence, Vardhamana Mahavira became the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain or Jaina Religion.
The Jains have two sects- the Digambaras, sky-clad as they go about naked and Shwetambaras, who wear white clothes. There is a dispute between Digambaras and Shwetambaras about the exact date of Mahavira`s birth. But, the holiday declared by Government of India falls in March- April. Digambara tradition states 615B.C. as the birth year of Mahavira while Shwetambaras hold 599B.C. as the birth year. Digambaras believe Trisala, Mahavira`s mother, had 16 dreams while Shwetambaras assert, she had 14 dreams.
Mahavir Jayanti is observed in quiet manner with prayers, visiting of sacred places and by worshipping the Tirthankaras as befitting the memory of great ascetic of India. Jains gather in temples to hear readings of the teachings of Mahavira. The event holds special significance in Gujarat and Rajasthan due to the ancient shrines at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat. Mahavir Jayanti is also celebrated at Parasnath Temple in Kolkata and at Pavapuri in Bihar.
Mahavira`s order for the monks and nuns were however very rigorous. Abstinence from every kind of physical comfort and material possession and absolute dedication to the highest ethical and spiritual discipline was enforced. Even to this day, 2500 years after his death, this pure and upright tradition of the monks has been maintained. Thousands of white clad Sanyasins and Sanyasinis and also nude monks move on foot carrying Mahavira`s message of peace, non-injury and brotherhood among people.
