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When is Mahavir Jayanti in 2009? 2009 Mahavir Jayanti is on 7th of April i.e Tuesday.

On Mahavir Jyanti, Jains celebrate the birthday of the 24th as well as the last Tirthankara and the founder of Jainism, Vardhman Mahavir Ji. His birthday is celebrated in the month of March or early April according to the Gregorian calendar.

Legend of Mahavir
He was born as a prince in 599 B.C. But he renounced the worldly life at an early age when he was only 30. He underwent austere penance till he attained realization. He went around spreading the “message of salvation”, and also taught non-violence to his followers. He had many followers.

Mahavir Ji wanted his followers to attain salvation through abstinence and penance. He favored the donation of clothes, money and grain to the poor.

Celebration of Mahavir Jayanti
The Jain temples are beautifully decorated with colored flags. Pilgrims from all parts of the country visit Jain temples at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on this auspicious day. Grand processions are held in the neighborhood carrying the idol of Mahavir Ji in cradle. Several cultural programs are organized.

Ritual of Mahavir Jayanti
Early in the morning the Mahavira idol is subjected to a ceremonial bath, known as “abhishek”. Subsequently, it is put in cradle and taken around in a procession in the neighborhood. The devotees offer Mahavir Ji idol with fruits, milk, rice, incense, water, lamps. Lectures preaching virtue are held and prayers organized in the temple. After meditation, the devotees eat the prasad( religious food offering).Efforts are made to collect donations to save the cows from slaughter.

Mahavir Jayanthi is an auspicious occasion for the Jains. They spend their time in prayer and meditation and worship the idol of Lord Mahavir.