Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the countrymen on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, saying the messages of Lord Mahavir are an inspiration for the country in building a developed India.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, my best wishes to all the families of the country. Lord Mahavir's messages related to peace, restraint and goodwill are an inspiration for the country in building a developed India."
Addressing the 2,550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav, Mr. Modi said that India is now projecting with self-confidence the mantras of truth and non-violence globally as a solution to the problems facing the world and its cultural image is playing a big role in it as well.
Mr. Modi said his government put emphasis on promoting heritage as well as material development when it came to power in 2014 at a time when the country was engulfed in despair, a swipe at the previous UPA dispensation.
Referring to the Lok Sabha polls, he said a big festival of democracy is happening “and, the country believes from here a new journey into future will also begin”.
He cited his government’s promotion of Indian heritage like yoga and Ayurveda, asserting that the country’s new generation now believes that self-pride is its identity.
The country is now projecting the mantras of truth and non-violence globally as a solution to problems facing the world with self-confidence, he said.
India’s growing strength and foreign policy are cited as the reasons for the world expecting the road to peace from it but its cultural image has played a big role as well, Mr. Modi said.
At a time of global conflicts, the teachings of tirthankars, revered spiritual Jain gurus, are more relevant, he said.
The Prime Minister also suggested to the audience that they should use their franchise early in the day and added in a lighter vein that saints have links to lotus, a flower often used in holy events which also is the BJP’s poll symbol.
The event is a rare occasion and is happening at the beginning of ‘Amrit Kaal’, Mr. Modi said, adding the country is working to make centenary year of freedom a “golden centenary”.
The idea of ‘Amrit Kaal’ is not merely a resolve but India’s spiritual inspiration, he asserted.
India is not only the oldest living civilisation but a safe shelter for humanity too, he said.
The Prime Minister also said that “Bhagwan Mahavir’s message of peace, compassion and brotherhood are a source of great inspiration for everyone”.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended wishes on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti and said that Lord Mahavir's principles of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possession will guide generations.
In a post on X, Amit Shah said, "Infinite wishes to everyone on Lord Mahavir Jayanti. Lord Mahavir Ji, the eternal symbol of sacrifice, penance, truth and non-violence, paved the way for the welfare of the entire human race through his teachings. His Panchsheel principles of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possession will guide generations."
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was given the name of 'Vardhamana' in his childhood. Lord Mahavir was born in 615 BC in a royal family.
As Vardhamana grew up, he renounced his princely status at the age of 30 and started on his spiritual journey in search of truth and enlightenment. He practised austerities and meditated for 12 years in a forest to achieve 'Kevala Jnana.' He then propagated the Dharma known as Jainism.
The birth anniversary of Mahavira is celebrated with joy and excitement by the Jain community across the globe. Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism who spread peace and harmony through his teachings. The core teachings of Mahavira are non-violence, non-stealing, chastity and non-attachment. Indrabhuti Gautama was the main disciple of Mahavira, who wrote his master's teachings for the benefit of the world.
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with rituals like praying at Jain temples, processions, singing hymns adoring Lord Mahavira, fasting to purify the body and soul, charity, cultural programs and lectures by religious scholars and leaders.
The festival of Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to highlight the significance of Jainism in the world, especially in India. The key teaching of 'ahinsa parmo dharma' or non-violence, is of great significance in the world today.
