Mahavir Jayanti | 22 Apr 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav, on the auspicious occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti.

  • Jains celebrate five Kalyanak’s (major events) of every Tirthankar including Mahavir Swami Ji: Chyavana/Garbha (Conception) Kalyanak; Janma (Birth) Kalyanak; Diksha (Renunciation) Kalyanak; Kevaljnana (Omniscience) Kalyanak and Nirvana (Liberation/Ultimate Salvation) Kalyanak.
  • Prime Minister has also released a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion.

What is Mahavir Jayanti?

  • About:
    • Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most auspicious festivals in the Jain community.
    • This day marks the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira, who was the 24th and the last Tirthankara who succeeded the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha.
    • According to Jain texts, Lord Mahavira was born on the 13th day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Chaitra.
      • As per the Gregorian calendar, Mahavir Jayanti is usually celebrated during the month of March or April.
    • A procession is called with the idol of Lord Mahavira called the Rath Yatra.
    • Reciting stavans or Jain prayers, statues of the lord are given a ceremonial bath called abhisheka.
  • Lord Mahavira:
    • Bhagwan Mahavir Swami left an indelible mark on humanity through his profound spiritual practices and teachings.
    • Lord Mahavir was named Vardhamana, which means “one who grows”.
    • During his twelve-year period of spiritual practices, Bhagwan Mahavir exhibited four extraordinary qualities:
      • Deep and Undisturbed Meditation: His unwavering focus allowed him to attain profound insights.
      • Rigorous Penance: He endured extreme physical hardships to purify his soul.
      • Tolerance of Pain: Mahavir Swami demonstrated remarkable endurance.
      • Ultimate Equanimity: His inner balance remained unshaken.
    • On the tenth day of the Vaishakh, Mahavir’s journey reached a pivotal moment.
    • Among the 5 teachings of Jainism the Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity) was added by Mahavira.

What is Jainism?

  • The word Jaina comes from the term Jina, meaning conqueror.
  • Tirthankara is a Sanskrit word meaning 'Ford maker', i.e., one who is able to ford the river, to cross beyond the perpetual flow of earthly life.
  • Jainism attaches utmost importance to ahimsa or non-violence.
  • It preaches 5 mahavratas (the 5 great vows):
    • Ahimsa (Non-violence)
    • Satya (Truth)
    • Asteya or Acharya (Non-stealing)
    • Aparigraha (Non-attachment/Non-possession)
    • Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity)
  • Among these 5 teachings, the Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity) was added by Mahavira.
  • The three jewels or Triratna of Jainism include:
    • Samyak Darshana (right faith).
    • Samyak Gyana (right knowledge).
    • Samyak Charitra (right conduct).
  • In later times, Jainism got divided into two sects:
    • Shvetambaras (white-clad) under Sthalabahu.
    • Digambaras (sky-clad) under the leadership of Bhadrabahu.
  • The important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks, and water have life.
  • Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants, and insects, is central to Jaina's philosophy.
  • According to Jain's teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma.
  • Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma and achieve the liberation of the soul.
  • The practice of Santhara is also a part of Jainism.
    • It is the ritual of fasting unto death. Swetambara Jains call it Santhara whereas Digambars call it Sallekhana.
    • In the Nikhil Soni vs Union Of India Case, the Rajasthan High Court declared the Jain practice of Santhara as an offence punishable under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, the matter is still sub-judice in Supreme Court.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims:

Q. With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to (2018)

(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Vaishnavism 
(d) Shaivism 

Ans: (b)

Q. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (2017)

  1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
  2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

Q. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? (2012)

  1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
  2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
  3. Denial of the efficacy of rituals

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

Q. Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following? (2009)

(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism 
(c) Sikhism
(d) Vaishnavism

Ans: (b)