Five
hundred and forty-three years before Vikarma Era
(in 599 B.C.) this world was blessed with a divine
light that would enlighten the universe. The 13th
day of the bright fortnight in the month of Chaitra
i.e. Chaitra Sudi Teras was the auspicious day when
Bhagwan Mahavir, the great saviour was born. Bhagwan
Mahavir (599 B.C. - 527 B.C.), the most recent Jina
is the last of 24 Tirthankars. As the son of King
Siddharth and queen Trishala, the prince was given
the name of Vardhaman at birth. |
Though Bahgwan Mahavir was born with worldly comforts
and luxuries, they never attracted him. He lived
a simple life. When his parents died, he decided
to become a monk At the age of thirty, the prince
left his family and royal household to become a
monk. He reached the village Jrambhika and stayed
on the banks of the river Rijuvaluka. Subsequently
for twelve years the Lord practised severe austerities
and deep meditation. On the Tenth day of the bright
half of the month of Vaisakh i.e. Vaisakh Sudi Dasam
He attained Keval Gyan ( Omniscience ).. |
Bhagwan Mahavir spent the next 30 years preaching
the path to eternal freedom or Moksha. He spread
the message of non-violence, truth, non-stealing,
right conduct and non-possession. He advocated against
the barriers of caste, creed and faith. He also
talked to protect all living creatures. He thought
that there is no interference of any superhuman
or supernatural being in our lives. Thus, performing
any ritual to please Gods is useless. It is the
purity of our feelings and thoughts that lead to
spiritual progress. He spoke against all rituals
including those sacrifices of materials and animals.
His sermons encouraged building a happy and harmonious
society. As the last Tirthankar, he revived the
religious order, or Jain Sangh, of monks, nuns,
shravaks and shravikas. |
