Surat: Former Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP leader Vijay Rupani greeted everyone with best wishes as he kicked off the Mahavir Jayanti Yatra in Rajkot on Sunday.
"Jain society throughout the nation rejoices with great enthusiasm on the auspicious day of Mahavir Jayanti, honoring the teachings of Lord Mahavir. I wish everyone the absolute best," Rupani said to the press.
Declaring victory for his party in Gujarat, Rupani said, "As the election draws near, the atmosphere grows hotter. The BJP is running a stronger campaign across the country and will win 26 of the 26 seats in Gujarat, he told the journalists. The 26 parliamentary constituencies in Gujarat are set to hold single-phase Lok Sabha elections in the third phase on May 7, 2024. Wishes are extended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted his fellow citizens, saying that the teachings of Lord Mahavir serve as an inspiration for the nation as it works to create a modern, developed India. "My best wishes to all the families of the country on the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti," Prime Minister Modi wrote on social media. The nation is inspired to create a more developed India by Lord Mahavir's teachings on moderation, peace, and benevolence."
In addition to wishing everyone a happy Mahavir Jayanti, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that future generations will be guided by Lord Mahavir's teachings of non-violence, honesty, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession. Amit Shah sent his wishes for everyone on Lord Mahavir Jayanti in a social media message. Through his teachings, Lord Mahavir Ji, the everlasting emblem of penance, sacrifice, truth, and non-violence, cleared the path for the well-being of the entire human species. Generations to come shall be guided by his Panchsheel values of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession."
What Mahavir Jayanti Means
On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, people commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was known as "Vardhamana" during his early years. Mahavira, who was born into a royal family in 615 BC, gave up his princely title at the age of thirty in order to embark on a spiritual quest for enlightenment and the truth. To obtain "Kevala Jnana," he underwent 12 years of austerities and woodland meditation. After that, he spread the Jaina Dharma.
Mahavir Jayanti is observed with a variety of customs, including prayers in Jain temples, processions, singing hymns to Lord Mahavira, fasting for the purification of the body and soul, giving alms, cultural events, and talks by religious leaders and scholars.
The purpose of Mahavir Jayanti is to draw attention to the importance of Jainism worldwide, particularly in India. Mahavira's basic teachings—non-violence, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment—remain highly relevant in today's society.
