Mahavir Jayanti 2025, History, Significance, Celebrations

Mahavir Jayanti 2025 traces its roots in Jainism, celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara. Celebrated on 10th April, this year marks the 2623rd birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. The day is celebrated every year with the aim of reflecting core values of Jain philosophy- Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya(non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy) and Aparigrapha(non-attachment). The day includes praying, charity, and celebration by Jain communities in India and all over the world.

Mahavir Jayanti 2025 Overview

Mahavir Jayanti 2025 is celebrated this year on 10th April 2025 and observed every year on Trayodashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month. 

Mahavir Jayanti 2025 Historical Background

• Lord Mahavir was born in Kundalagrama in 599 BC, in the present Vaishali district of Bihar. 
• Son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, Mahavir’s birth name was Vardhamana. 
• After reaching the age of 30, Vardhaman renounced worldly life and his kingdom in the search of truth. 
• After spending 12 years in penance, he attained Kevala Jnana. 
• Founder of Jain religion, he promoted the idea of spiritual liberation. 
• Lord Mahavir attained Moksha(liberation) at the age of 72 in 527 BC.

Who was Lord Mahavir?

Lord Mahavir, birth name Vardhamana was born in the present day Vaishali district in Bihar, India. Born in a royal kshatriya family, he gave up all his worldly pleasures in the search of truth. In his journey of 12 years, after intense penance and meditation, he attained Kevala Jnana(omniscience). His teachings focused on: 

• Ahimsa (non-violence)
• Satya (Truthfulness)
• Asteya (Non-Stealing)
• Brahmacharya ( Celibacy)
• Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) 

At the age of 72, he attained Moksha in 527 BCE at Pavapuri, Bihar.

Mahavir Jayanti 2025 Significance

Mahavir Jayanti is significant due to the following reasons: 

• The day celebrates the teachings of Lord Mahavir on his birth date. 
• It aims to spread awareness about the Jain values like non-violence, minimalism and truth. 
• The day motivates us to reflect on detachment from material life. 
• Mahavir Jayanti helps us focus on spiritual cleansing and community service. 

Mahavir Jayanti 2025 Celebrations

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated in the following manner: 

• Devotees visit temples and offer prayers with traditional rituals.
• Sacred Jain Agamas (holy scriptures) are read and reflected upon.
• Acts of charity, including feeding the poor and supporting the underprivileged, are widely undertaken.
• Grand Rath Yatras (chariot processions) are organized, carrying the idol of Lord Mahavir with devotional songs.
• Hymns are sung, and followers engage in meditation on Lord Mahavir’s teachings.
• Celebrations take place not only across India but also among Jain communities in Nepal, the UK, and the USA.