Mahavir Jayanti is one of the important festivals for Jainism. This festival is celebrated on the occasion of the birth of Mahavir Swami, who is also known by the name Vardhaman. Also, don’t confuse it with Mahavir Janma Vanchan, which comes on the fifth day of Parv Paryushan. Here’s all you need to know about this day!
When Is Mahavir Jayanti?
This year, Mahavir Jayanti falls on March 31, 2026. According to the Hindu calendar, the Tritiya tithi began on March 30 at 7:09 AM and lasts until March 31 at 6:55 AM. AajTak reported that every year, Jains celebrate this festival on the Tritiya tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra.
If you know much about who Mahavir Swami is, here’s what we’ve got you all about him. Lord Mahavir was the 24th and final Tirthankar in Jainism. Born in 599 BCE in Kundalgram, Vaishali, Bihar, he came from a royal family, so you could say he had a life of luxury. But instead of living the king’s life, he chose a different path. He left all things behind to find the truth and show everyone the right way to live.
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How Was The Journey Of Lord Mahavir?
As for us, what inspired us the most is Mahavir Swami’s guidance on living the right life. He left his royal life at the age of 30 to seek the truth. He spent years meditating and practising self-discipline. After gaining complete knowledge, he began guiding people on the right path, and at 72, he attained Nirvana. He always taught people to avoid violence, stealing, and greed, and to follow truth, self-control, and compassion.
One story from his meditation days goes like this: Mahavir Swami was meditating under a tree when a snake named Chandkaushik bit his leg. Instead of reacting, he remained completely calm in meditation. Miraculously, milk began to flow from his leg, showing his supreme spiritual power and detachment from pain.
On this occasion, Jain people often decorate the temples themselves with rangoli, flowers, and diyas. On this day, Mahavir temples light up, and the idol is decorated in a way that makes people pause for a few minutes just to admire it. People perform seva puja in the morning and feed grass to cows. When it comes to food, Doodhpaak is one of the favourite treats enjoyed on special days like Mahavir Jayanti. It is made with rice, milk, nuts, saffron, and sugar.
How excited are you to celebrate this day? Tell us in the comments below!
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FAQs
When is Mahavir Jayanti?
This year, Mahavir Jayanti is on March 31. The Tritiya tithi started on March 30 at 7:09 AM and will lasts until March 31 at 6:55 AM.
What is the special traditional Jains cook on Mahavir Jayanti?
On Mahavir Jayanti, many Jain households prepared traditional Doodhpaak, made with rice and milk.
Why Mahavir Swami left his home?
Mahavir Swami left his luxurious life to seek the true path of living and to guide others toward it.