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MAHAVIR JAYANTI
BIRTH DAY CELEBRATIONS OF THE LAST JINA *
Mahavir Jayanti in 1988 marks the 2587th year celebration of the birth of Lord Mahavir, the last and the 24th Tirthankara in the continuing history of Jain Religion. Lord Mahavir was born in 599 B.C. at Kundagrama, a large city in Vaishali Kingdom flourished near modern Patna in India. Mahavir's father was Siddhartha, a warrier chieftain and mother was Trishala, princess of Vaishali kingdom.
Mahavir was a prince but left his royal household; gave up wordly posessions and entered into Jain monkhood. He was 30 years at the time. He spent over 12 years in meditation, penances and practiced various principles of Jain religion as has been taught by the Tirthankaras, from Lord Rishab to Lord Parshwanath. At age 42, he obtained Infinite Knowledge, following which he undertook Vihars journey on bare foot across vast part of Indian sub-continent. He preached non-violence, vegetarianism, peace, purity, truth, wisdom, modesty, self-control, forgiveness, fortitude and so forth. People from all walks kings and commoners, rich and poor, men and women, prince and priests were attracted and influenced by his preachings.
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In 527 B.C., at age 72, Mahavir attained Nirvana at Pavapuri in Patna district of Bihar state in India. Thence onwards, the oldest of present day India's calender, Jain Calender began in the year 526 before Christ.
During this celebration, we could promise ourselves to follow the path of Ahimsa; consider all living beings like our own self, always be ready to help and protect the helpless and those in distress. Let's follow the philosophy of: "Live and Let Live. Love all and serve all."
* Mithul is the son of Dr Dhiraj & Pratima Shah of Grand Island, NY
MAHAVIR JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA
organisations in north America joyously celebrated Mahavir, who addressed issues of humankind and of purification through Jain principles and brief account of the joyous festivities organised
Jain and non-Jain birth day of Lord showed right path philosophy. Here is a in north America:
Vancouver, Canada. The Jain Society of British Columbia celebrated Mahavir Jayanti on Sunday, April 03, 1988. The day long festivity consisted of religious and cultural activities fully participated by the young and the adults together.
The program began with Namokar Mantra followed by pooja. Mrs Hira Shah spoke on the basic philosophy of Mahavir. The guest speaker, Dr Banarjee, gave an informative and interesting talk on history of Jain religion. Anand Jain and Shanta Arya sang devotional songs in praise
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