Which god worship on the occasion of MahavirJayanti?
As the name suggests, Lord Mahavir worship on the occasion of MahavirJayanti by Jains.
What are the other names for this puja? (If any)
MahavirJanmaKalyanak is the other names for this puja.
History of the above occasion
Origin of this occasion lies in the birth of thelast Tirthankara of Jainism, Lord Mahavir.
MahaveerJi was the son of Ruler Siddhartha and her Queen Trishala. It was said, when Trishala was expecting she saw some dreams by which she feels that a great leader will come to their house. It is known, as per the school of Jainism, the no. of dreams varies, Svetambaras believe the no. of dreams is fourteen whereas Digambaras believe the exact no. of dreams is sixteen. When she said about her dreams to the astrologers, they saidthese dreams conclude or indicates that the child would become a ruler or may be a Tirthankar. It is truly said, when the birth of Lord Mahavirtook place, Lord Indra bathed Mahavirji with milk and a ritual, making him a Tirthankar.
What is the significance of the above occasion?
This occasion has a great importance in the lives of Jains, as on this day they celebrate the birth of their last Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira. They worship him so as to received his good wishes and great blessings which helps them in removing all the hurdles they face in their lives.
What is the vidhi (method) of worship?
There is not a specific vidhi to worship Lord Mahavir, only a religious bath known as abhisheka is given to the idol or statue of Lord Mahavira. And then people pray him by remembering him from their heart and ask god to fulfil their wishes.
How to celebrate this occasion?
The occasion of MahavirJayantiis celebrated by people by visiting the temples. Some people on this day do some charity by engage themselves in some charitable act which is conducted in the name of Lord Mahavira. To perform this task of doing charity in a proper manner, people and big organizations provide donation for the same. Charity is collected for doing different good tasks such as to help the needy people or to feed the poor people or to provide safety to the cows from slaughter. Some people visit temples to worship Lord Mahavir, to pray and to meditate.According to Jain doctrine, with this, in temples, some lectures are also organized for the people who visit their on this day to teach them the right path so that they can conduct their lives properly and always do the good and correct things in their life. On this great occasion, almost all the jain temples which are very ancient and old are full of people or worshippers or devotees of Lord Mahavira, they especially visit the temple on this day and celebrate the same with other people.
What are the timings to celebrate this puja or occasion in a year?
As per the Gregorian Calendar, this puja or occasion usually comes in March or April. And as per the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated in the month of Chaitraon the thirteenth day of its rising moon.
In which parts of the country, this puja is considered as more important?
All over India, this puja or occasion is considered as very important by all the people who follow the religion of Jainism, as this is considered as one of the important occasions of Jains.