Mahavir Jayanti 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Celebrates This Festival?

• Jain Devotees: Followers of the Jain faith observe this day to honour the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir and to renew their commitment to his teachings of non-violence (Ahimsa), truth, and non-attachment.
• Families and Children: Families take part in the prayers and processions to teach children the values of compassion and restraint.
• Seekers of Peace: Anyone who wishes to reflect on Mahavir's path may join in the prayers, charity, and service of the day.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Done early in the morning after a bath, as the day begins in prayer.
• Puja and Abhishek: The main puja and abhishek of Bhagwan Mahavir's idol are done in the morning at the temple or at home. Check the sunrise time for your city on this page.
• Rath Yatra and Charity: The Prabhat Pheri (morning procession), the Rath Yatra (chariot procession), and acts of charity usually follow in the daytime (customs differ from one community and temple to another).
• Closing the Day: In the evening, with a short prayer and the lighting of a lamp.

About the Festival

Mahavir Jayanti is a deeply revered Jain festival celebrated across India to mark the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara. It takes place on the Trayodashi (thirteenth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra.

The Katha (Story of the Birth of Bhagwan Mahavir)

Over two thousand five hundred years ago, in the kingdom of Kundagrama, there lived King Siddhartha and his queen, Trishala. The queen was devout and gentle, and the whole kingdom lived in peace and prosperity.

One night, Queen Trishala saw fourteen auspicious dreams, among them an elephant, a lion, a lotus, and a full moon. The royal interpreters declared that these dreams foretold the birth of a great soul who would either rule the world or free it from suffering. On the thirteenth day of the bright half of Chaitra, a son was born, and the child was named Vardhaman, for the kingdom grew in wealth and happiness from the day he came. The gods are said to have bathed the infant on Mount Meru in celebration.

The prince grew up kind, fearless, and compassionate. At the age of thirty, he left the palace, gave up his wealth, and went into the forest to seek the truth. After years of deep meditation and penance, he attained supreme knowledge (Kevala Gyan) and became known as Mahavir, the great hero. He taught: "Live and let live. Non-violence is the highest virtue. Speak the truth, take only what is given, and do not be attached to worldly things." Since that day, devotees have celebrated his birth with prayer, charity, and the resolve to walk the path of Ahimsa.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: An idol or picture of Bhagwan Mahavir, placed on a clean Chowki
• Abhishek Items: Clean water and fresh milk in a small vessel
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan (sandalwood paste), Kesar (saffron), and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Incense: A clay or brass Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Dhoop
• Flowers & Offerings: Fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets
• Devotional Accessories: A prayer book (Jain Pothi) and a Mala for chanting

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, simple clothes (white or light colours are preferred).
2. Fold your hands and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Bhagwan Mahavir, today I remember your birth with devotion. Give me the strength to follow Ahimsa, truth, and compassion in my life."
3. Keep the day pure and calm, avoiding harsh words and, as many families do, avoiding meals with onion and garlic.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the puja space and place the idol or picture of Bhagwan Mahavir on a Chowki covered with a clean cloth.
2. Arrange the flowers, fruits, and other puja items in front of the idol.
3. Sit facing east or north, in a calm and quiet frame of mind.

Step 3: Performing the Abhishek and Offerings

1. Abhishek: Gently bathe the idol with clean water and milk, then wipe it softly with a clean cloth (families who worship a picture offer a few drops of water instead).
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan and Kesar, and offer Akshat.
3. Offering Flowers: Offer fresh flowers with devotion.
4. Lighting the Lamp: Light the Ghee Diya and Dhoop, and place fruits and sweets as Naivedya (food offering).

Step 4: Recalling the Life of Mahavir

1. Hold a few grains of Akshat in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the idol and recite or listen to the story of the birth and life of Bhagwan Mahavir with deep focus.
3. After the story, offer the grains at the feet of the idol.

Step 5: Prayer and Aarti

1. Sing devotional hymns in praise of Bhagwan Mahavir and perform the Mahavir Aarti with the lit Ghee lamp.
2. Chant the Navkar Mantra a few times, using a Mala if you wish.
3. Join the Prabhat Pheri and the procession (Rath Yatra), or visit the temple with your family if you can.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Charity

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Give food, clothes, or money to those in need, as charity (Daan) is a central part of the day.
3. Share a simple sattvic meal with family and friends to close the day.