Mahavir: The Proponent of Non-Violence | Dr. Srinivas Mahavar

Under the aegis of the *Janmat Manch*, a seminar was organized on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, focusing on this special event. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Srinivas Mahavar explained that Mahavir Jayanti marks the *Janma Kalyanak* (birth anniversary) of Lord Mahavir—the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism—who stands as a symbol of non-violence, peace, and self-restraint. On this day, *Prabhat Feris* (early morning processions), ceremonial parades, and special prayers are conducted in temples, accompanied by the message: "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" (Non-violence is the supreme duty). This occasion serves as an inspiration to pursue the path of self-purification, compassion, and truth.

Lord Mahavir Swami was the 24th and final Tirthankara of Jainism, and he is regarded as the true founder of the religion. (Incidentally, the first Tirthankara of Jainism was Lord Rishabhdev.)

Lord Mahavir Swami was born in 599 BCE (542 years prior to the Vikram era) into a royal Kshatriya family in Kundagram, Vaishali (in the present-day state of Bihar), as the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. His childhood name was Vardhaman. At the age of 30, with the permission of his elder brother, Nandivardhan, Lord Mahavir renounced his worldly life and royal status to embrace asceticism in pursuit of enlightenment. In Jainism, various forms of spiritual discipline (*sadhana*) are prescribed for attaining *Kevalya Gyan* (absolute knowledge). In Buddhism, the attainment of *Kevalya Gyan* is referred to as *Sambodhi*, *Nirvana*, or *Buddhatva*; in the context of Hinduism, it may be described as a higher state of *Samadhi* or *Moksha* (liberation).

Lord Mahavir Swami attained *Kevalya Gyan* on the tenth day (*Dashami*) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) during the month of *Vaishakh*. At that time, he was 42 years old. Lord Mahavir Swami attained this enlightenment (*Kevalya*) on the banks of the Rijupalika River, near the village of Jrimbhikagram (or Jrimbhikagram) in Bihar. He attained this absolute knowledge at the age of 42, following 12 years of rigorous penance, while meditating beneath a *Sal* tree. Upon attaining *Kevalya Gyan*, he began delivering sermons for the welfare of humanity. He is revered as a pivotal Tirthankara by the followers of Jainism. Mahavir Swami undertook twelve years of silent asceticism and deep meditation. Ultimately, he attained 'Kaivalya Jnana' (Absolute Knowledge). The spiritual heights of 'Kaivalya Jnana' that he reached are unparalleled. The concept of *Moksha* (liberation) originated with the Vedic sages. Lord Buddha had to dedicate his entire life to spiritual practice to attain *Nirvana* (Moksha). Mahavir had to undergo rigorous asceticism to attain *Kaivalya* (Moksha), while sages must master the arduous disciplines of Yoga and meditation to attain *Samadhi* (Moksha). Thus, attaining Moksha is extremely difficult. Upon attaining Moksha, an individual breaks free from the cycle of birth and death, becoming akin to the Divine. Attaining Moksha is not easy. While almost anything in the material world can be acquired with ease, attaining self-realization is a difficult task. To attain oneself implies liberation from all forms of bondage.
The Chief Guest of today's program, Dr. Vinay Kumar Bhardwaj, explained that *Ahimsa* (non-violence) manifests in three forms: through thought, word, and deed. This constitutes the most fundamental principle of Jainism. On this occasion, Hemant Kumar Damor spoke on the relationship between Jainism and nature. Additionally, Dharmendra Kumar Verma and Azad Kumar Meena highlighted the core teachings of Jainism:
1. *Satya* (Truth): Always speaking the truth and refraining from falsehood.
2. *Asteya* (Non-stealing): Refraining from theft; not accepting anything that has not been freely given.
3. *Brahmacharya* (Chastity): Exercising control over the senses and renouncing carnal desires.
4. *Aparigraha* (Non-possession): Refraining from the accumulation of wealth or material objects, and renouncing unnecessary possessions.
5. *Ahimsa* (Non-violence): Causing no harm to any living being—whether through thought, word, or deed—which stands as the supreme principle of Jainism.
Among others who shared their thoughts on this occasion were Dr. Sanjay Kumar Meena, Dr. Jigyasa Patidar, Hemraj Gurjar, and Dr. Sama Ram Dewasi. Shirish Nath Mathur, the Secretary of the forum, stated that alongside these vows, Jainism recognizes *Samyak Darshan* (Right Faith), *Samyak Gyan* (Right Knowledge), and *Samyak Charitra* (Right Conduct)—collectively known as the *Triratna* (Three Jewels)—as the path to attaining salvation. Furthermore, at the age of 72, in 468 BCE, he attained *Nirvana* at Pavapuri (Bihar).