By Pradip Jain
On March 31, 2026, Jains across the world will celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira with deep devotion. In India, temples will hold sacred rituals such as Abhishek, prayers, and grand processions, while devotees will observe fasting, meditation, and acts of charity.
Jain communities around the world, including those in the United States and Canada, will also organize spiritual discourses, cultural programs, and charitable activities under the guidance of Federation of Jain Associations in North America.
Vaishali in Bihar is revered as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The site features temples and idols dedicated to Mahavira, making it a major pilgrimage destination for Jains.
Born as Vardhamana in Vaishali to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, Lord Mahavira displayed compassion and spiritual inclination from an early age. At the age of 30, he renounced worldly life and undertook intense austerities for 12 years before attaining omniscience (Kevala Jnana) at the age of 42.
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Nepal's Rs 250 Mahavira legal tender coin, issued by Nepal Rastra Bank (Central Bank of Nepal), to mark 2600 Janm Kalyanak.
His teachings emphasized the five great vows—non-violence, truth, honesty, non-possession, and celibacy. At the heart of his philosophy were the principles of Ahimsa (universal non-violence) and Anekant (the doctrine of many-sided truth), which promote compassion, tolerance, and forgiveness.
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Lord Mahavira personalized stamp cover, USA.
Lord Mahavira welcomed both men and women into his spiritual order, challenged social evils, and taught that every soul has the potential to attain liberation through self-effort. His timeless message of love, non-violence, and spiritual freedom continues to inspire millions around the world.
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(Pradip Jain is a well-known philatelist with several Gold Medals in international philately to his credit. His book, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial issues of 1948, was published in 2015. Contact: [email protected])
(All photos courtesy of the author)
