Shri Mahavira Jayanti

Jain

Also known as: Shri Mahavir Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti Grand Celebration

Select Calendar Year

2026 Jain Date

Shri Mahavira Jayanti

About Shri Mahavira Jayanti

Shri Mahavira Jayanti is the grand celebration marking the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara and the propagator of Jain dharma. This festival is one of the most important in the Jain calendar, observed with great devotion and communal participation across Jain communities worldwide. The 'Shri' prefix denotes the special reverence and grandeur of this celebration.

The celebration includes the ceremonial abhishekam of Lord Mahavira's idol, where devotees pour sacred substances — milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, and saffron water — over the deity while chanting mantras. The rath yatra (chariot procession) is a highlight of the day, with the idol of Lord Mahavira placed on a beautifully decorated chariot and pulled through the streets by devotees. The procession is accompanied by chanting of the Namokar Mantra, singing of bhajans, and distribution of prasad.

In temples, special discourses on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira are organised. Devotees reflect on the five great vows and strive to strengthen their commitment to ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha. The day is also marked by extensive charitable activities — feeding the poor, donating to temples, and supporting educational institutions. The celebration serves as a powerful reminder of Lord Mahavira's message of universal compassion and spiritual liberation.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

The day is celebrated with abhishekam, rath yatra, discourses on Lord Mahavira's teachings, and extensive charitable activities.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Observe fasting or simple eating as a mark of devotion and austerity.
Participate in the abhishekam ceremony at the temple.
Join the rath yatra procession and chant the Namokar Mantra.
Attend discourses on Lord Mahavira's life and teachings.
Perform acts of charity — feed the poor, donate to temple, and support education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the Namokar Mantra?

The Namokar Mantra (Namo Arihantanam) is the most sacred mantra in Jainism, paying homage to the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all monks and nuns.

Q: Why is the rath yatra important?

The rath yatra brings the deity out of the temple to the streets, allowing all people — regardless of caste or status — to receive the blessing of seeing the Lord.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.