New Delhi: Mahavir Jayanti 2026, one of the most significant festivals in Jainism, is being celebrated with devotion and reverence on March 31. Marking
the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism, Mahavir Jayanti is not just a religious observance; it’s a powerful reminder of a spiritual legacy that continues to inspire millions of devotees. On this occasion, let’s dive deeper into Lord Mahavir’s life, his teachings, and some surprising facts that are still unknown to many.
Lord Mahavir was born in a small village called Kundagrama near Vaishali in present-day Bihar in 599 BCE. He was originally named Vardhamana. Despite being from a royal family and having a luxurious life, he renounced worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual awakening at the age of 30. After 12 years of intense meditation and asceticism, he attained Kevalgyan (omniscience) and spent the remaining 30 years spreading his teachings. His life became the foundation of Jainism, focuses on non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha). Let’s know about the lesser-known facts about Lord Mahavir.
Unknown facts about Lord Mahavir and his teachings
1. Choose renunciation at 30
He was born as Vardhamana to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, and had a deep inclination towards spirituality even in his youth. At 30, he renounced his palace life, family, and wealth to seek liberation, becoming an ascetic, a choice that underlines the Jain ideal of detachment from material life.
2. Practised austerity for 12 years
Mahavir observed complete silence, practised fasting for long durations, and meditated under extreme conditions during his 12-year spiritual journey. This intense discipline culminated in his enlightenment under a Saal tree, after which he was known as Mahavir, meaning the great hero.
3. Advocated for non-violence
Mahavir’s philosophy of non-violence was for all living beings, including humans, animals, insects, and even microorganisms. In the modern world, this principle has inspired veganism and animal rights. The Jain philosophy also teaches to minimise unintentional harm.
4. Used the Prakrit language
Sanskrit was considered a language reserved for the elite, but Mahavir taught in Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit so that the common people could understand the spiritual knowledge easily.
5. First known environmentalist
Lord Mahavir stressed minimal consumption, conservation and co-existence with nature. The Jain vow of Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) is similar to today’s zero-waste and sustainable living ideologies.
6. Never claimed divinity
Lord Mahavir always considered himself a guide to help others attain moksha or liberation instead of claiming to be god.
7. Teachings were oral
Lord Mahavir’s teachings were passed down orally, and later his disciples compiled these into Agamas. Many of these texts were lost or fragmented due to historical invasions and natural disasters.
8. Women had a prominent place
Jainism accepted women as nuns. One of his prominent disciples was Chandanbala, who played a pivotal role in his early spiritual transformation.
9. Concept of syadvada, philosophy of relativity
Mahavir acknowledged multiple viewpoints of truth through the introduction of syadvada, a logical and philosophical approach. This principle encourages open-mindedness and tolerance, especially important in today’s world of polarisation.
10. Passed away at 72 in Pavapuri
Lord Mahavir attained nirvana (liberation) in Bihar’s Pavapuri. His cremation site, the Jal Mandir, remains a revered pilgrimage destination. His death is commemorated by Jains during Diwali with spiritual reflection, not just festivities.
Celebration of Mahavir Jayanti is still relevant in the modern world, which can make life peaceful and much easier.
