Mahavir Jayanti 2025: Jain religion’s most sacred festival|
Date: 10 April 2025
Mahavir Jayanti is the most important festival of Jainism. On this day, Lord Mahavir, who was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, is celebrated as his birthday. He is considered as a spiritual guru and a guide to devotion.
How is Mahavir Jayanti celebrated?
On this holy day, Jains celebrate with great devotion and enthusiasm. Every community has its own style, but some common traditions are:
Rath Yatra: The idol of Lord Mahavir is placed on a chariot and a procession is taken out.
Charity Work: The compassion of Lord Mahavir is remembered through charity and service.
Temple Visit: People visit temples, pray and seek spiritual guidance.
Major Jain Temples Worth Visiting on Mahavir Jayanti
If you are planning a spiritual trip on this Mahavir Jayanti, then do visit these famous Jain temples:
1 Palitana Temple, Gujarat
Location: Shatrunjaya Hill, Bhavnagar
Highlights: 900+ temples dedicated to Lord Adinath in one place
Specialty: More than 3,000 steps have to be climbed – a sacred journey
2 Dilwara Temples, Rajasthan
Location: near Mount Abu
Highlights: Amazing marble carving and 5 historical temples
Specialty: Dedicated to Adinath and Mahavir Swami – a peaceful experience
3 Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan
Location: Aravalli Hills
Highlights: 1,444 unique marble pillars
Specialty: 15th century temple, dedicated to Lord Adinath
4 Shikharji Temple, Jharkhand
Location: Parasnath Hill
Highlights: 20 Tirthankaras where he attained salvation
Specialty: A spiritual journey between train and forest
5 Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Delhi
Location: Opposite Chandni Chowk, near Red Fort
Highlights: Delhi’s oldest Jain temple (1656)
Specialty: Special rituals and processions on Mahavir Jayanti
6 Gomateshwara Temple, Karnataka
Location: Shravanabelagola
Highlights: 57 feet tall statue of Bahubali, the world’s largest monolithic statue
Specialty: 10th century marvel, there is a huge crowd here on Mahavir Jayanti Mahavir Jayanti is a day when we remember the path of non-violence, compassion and truth. Lord Mahavir’s teachings show us the way to become a better human being.
