Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important religious festivals in Jainism. It celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism. In 2025, Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm on Sunday, April 10. On this day, Jains across the world pay homage to Lord Mahavir’s teachings of non-violence, truth, and simplicity.
Who Was Lord Mahavir?
Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama, near Vaishali (in present-day Bihar, India). Born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, he renounced his royal life at the age of 30 and embarked on a spiritual journey. After 12 years of intense meditation and penance, he attained Keval Gyan (absolute knowledge) and spent the rest of his life spreading the message of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
