Which of the following festivals is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Mahavir Jayanti.
Explanation:
☛ Mahavir Jayanti is the most important religious festival for Jains, celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira.
☛ Lord Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism.
☛ According to the Jain calendar, this festival is observed on the 13th day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra (Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi).
☛ On this auspicious day, the idol of Mahavira is given a ceremonial bath called Abhisheka, and grand processions (Rath Yatra) are taken out.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Lord Mahavira was born into a royal Kshatriya family in Kundagrama (near Vaishali, Bihar) to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala.
☛ At the age of 42, he attained Kevala Jnana (supreme omniscience) under a Sal tree on the banks of the Rijupalika River.
☛ Diwali: In Jainism, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the attainment of Nirvana (moksha) by Lord Mahavira at Pavapuri (Bihar).
☛ Paryushana: The most prominent annual festival of fasting, reflection, and spiritual purification, ending with the seeking of forgiveness (Michhami Dukkadam).
☛ Navapad Oli: A nine-day semi-fasting festival observed twice a year during the months of Chaitra and Ashwin.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ What is the religious symbol associated with Lord Mahavira? → Lion
☛ Who is considered the first Tirthankara of Jainism? → Rishabhanatha (Adinatha)
☛ Who was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism? → Parshvanatha
☛ At which place did Lord Mahavira attain Nirvana? → Pavapuri (Bihar)
☛ Which core doctrine forms the foundational vow of Jain philosophy? → Ahimsa (Non-violence)