Mahavir Jayanti 2020: Significance and history of the day

Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important festivals in Jainism, and it celebrates the birth anniversary of the 24th Tirthankara Mahavir, who played a significant role in preaching Jainism. This year, Mahavir Jayanti shall take place on April 6.

It was on the 13th day in the month of Chaitra in 599 BCE or 615 BCE that Mahavir was born, according to the Digambar and Swetambara school of Jainism respectively, in Kundagram. He was born the son of and Swetambara school of Jainism respectively.

When he was 30 years old, Mahavir abandoned all his worldly possessions in search of a spiritual path. He meditated and led an austere life for around 12 years before attaining ‘Kevala Jnana’ or omniscience.