On the thirteenth day of the rising moon of Chaitra in 599 BCE a child was born to the royal and highly religious family of the king of Kaundinyapura (Bihar) namely Siddhartha and his queen Trishala Devi. Originally known as Vardhamana, the child grew up to be the last and the most celebrated Teerthankaras (Jain Prophets). Before his birth the mother had several auspicious dreams. All the major astrologers said that the dreams tell about a great leader or a great Teerthankara would be born.
From early on Vardhamana showed signs of great physical strength and intellectual acumen. Several stories depict how he tackled the negative acts of jealous opponents. This is how the name Mahavir got associated with him. It means the bravest.
Mahavir gave up the worldly pleasures at the age of 30 and practiced severe penance until he achieved enlightenment. He later on went to become the healer and the most popular human redeemer. He introduced the five-fold path: Ahimsa (Non-violence – physical or mental – to all life forms), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (restraint in sexual pleasures) and Aparigraha (non-acquisition of property) to humanity.
Several followers of Jainism visit temples to pray and meditate. Temples are beautifully decorated and the idols of Mahavir are ceremoniously bathed. Temples conduct recitals and gatherings to commemorate this day and the lord’s teachings of Jainism. People also undertake charity and good deeds. On this propitious day of HKS Designer and Consultant International Company Ltd wishes everyone a happy Mahavir Jayanti, may the lord bless us all with the truth and wisdom of a happy life.
