Significance
A kalyanak is one of the five auspicious events in a Tirthankara's life, and the janma kalyanak commemorates Mahavira's birth. Jain tradition holds that at such a moment the whole universe experiences a wave of auspiciousness, and the devas descend to perform the celestial birth-anointing of the infant Tirthankara on Mount Meru.
Mahavira renounced the world, attained omniscience after long austerity, and reorganised the fourfold Jain sangha. His teaching of ahimsa, anekantavada (many-sidedness of truth) and aparigraha (non-possession) is the foundation of Jain practice today.
Both the Digambar and Shwetambar traditions observe the day on the same tithi, making it the Jain festival most commonly marked publicly and recognised as a national holiday in India.
How it is observed
- Ceremonial abhishek and elaborate puja of the image of Bhagwan Mahavira in temples.
- Processions (rath yatra or shobha yatra) carrying the Tirthankara's image through the town.
- Devotional singing, stavan and recitation, and discourses on Mahavira's life and teachings.
- Symbolic re-enactment in some places of the janma kalyanak, including the celestial anointing described in tradition.
- Charitable activity such as almsgiving, animal welfare work and community meals, reflecting the emphasis on ahimsa and compassion.
At a Glance
- Lunar date
- Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi
- Tradition
- Observed in both traditions