The 2,625th birth anniversary of Mahavira, who preached the lifelong message of truth, non-violence, non-possession, non-stealing, and celibacy, is being observed across the country today through various programs.
Mahavira was born in 599 BCE on the day of Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi in a village called Kundalgram near Vaishali in present-day India, to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Although born into a royal family, Jain scriptures mention that he renounced worldly comforts in search of peace and spiritual truth. After nearly 12 years of deep penance, he began spreading Jain philosophy to humanity.
According to Sushil Kumar Jain, President of the Nepal Jain Council, Jain tradition recognizes 24 Tirthankaras—spiritual teachers who show the path of righteousness. Mahavira emphasized the principles of non-violence, truthfulness, and refraining from accumulating more than one needs.
Mahavira believed that causing suffering to others is violence, and helping others is the true practice of non-violence. His scripture Uttaradhyayan Sutra is widely known, and its Nepali translation was done by Dr. Manibhadra Muni, founder of Manav Lin Kendra.
On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the Nepal Jain Council and various other organizations are organizing programs to mark the day.
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