PM Modi Marks Mahavir Jayanti With Inauguration Of 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav’ today, April 21, on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event commenced with the PM releasing a commemorative stamp and coin, followed by his address to the gathering.  

#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi releases a commemorative stamp and coin at the inauguration of the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav, on the occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti at Bharat Mandapam. pic.twitter.com/8NwZcIjjam

— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2024

Speaking at the event, PM said that Bharat Mandapam is witnessing the beginning of the 2550th Nirvan Mahotsav of Lord Mahavira.

#WATCH |Delhi: Addressing the Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Bharat Mandapam today witnesses the beginning of the 2550th Nirvan Mahotsav of Lord Mahavira.” pic.twitter.com/N26WTa1WdP

— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2024

Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar, illuminated the path of peaceful co-existence and universal brotherhood through Jain principles such as Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Sata (Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-Stealing), Brahmacharya (Chastity), and Aparigraha (Non-attachment).

Jains Commemorate Five Kalyanaks (major events) of every Tirthankar, including Magavir Swami ji: Chyavana/Garbha (Conception) Kalyanak; Janma (Birth) Kalyanak; Diksha (Renunciation) Kalyanak; Kevaljnana (Omniscience) Kalyanak and Nirvana (Liberation/Ultimate Salvation) Kalyanak.

April 21, marks the Janma Kalyanak of Bhagwani Mahavir Swami. The Government led by PM Modi has honoured the occasion by organising a cultural programme at Bharat Mandapam. Several Saints from the Jain community graced the event. 

Mahavir Jayanti, a revered festival in Jainism, commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. Observed with profound devotion by millions of Jains worldwide, the festival holds a special place in the hearts of the followers of this ancient faith. 

Born in 599 BCE in Vaishali, an ancient city in present-day Bihar, India, Lord Mahavir was originally named Vardhamana. He was born into the royal family of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. At 30, he renounced his princely status and embarked on a spiritual quest, seeking enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.