IMPORTANCE OF DIWALI IN JAINISM

IMPORTANCE OF DIWALI IN JAINISM

Importance of Diwali in Jainism related to events in life of lord Mahavira. Some of important facts which are relevant to Diwali in Jainism. 

Diwali Celebrated in Jainsim as the Day of Moksha Attainment by Lord Mahavira-According to the Harivamsha Puran, Tirthankar Mahavir who attained nirvana on 15th October, 527 BC in Pavapuri located within the state territories of Bihar, India.In  in the holy books of Jainism is mentioned as "Dipalikaya". Dipalikaya is deciphered as lightening of lamps to embark the celebration for the occasion of lord Mahavira’s achievement of moksha (Nirvana).

Diwali Celebrated as the Beginning of New Year as per the Jain Calendar-

Pratipada, celebrated usually on the following day of Diwali and is marked as the beginning of a new accounting year in Jainism. Jain Industrialist,Businessmen and Jewellers celebrate this occasion by wishing prosperity to each other as well as by offering prayers with traditional rituals.  The day is considered as the best time to begin a new trade or for purchasing ornaments which is believed to bring good luck and property in life. The day is also important because it is last day in Ashvina month of Jain calendar. As per the holy books, it is also acknowledge as the day when the main disciple of lord Mahavira, Gandhara Gautam Swami attained nirvana.

In Jainism, Diwali is celebrated in different way & lightening of fireworks is avoided as it creates pollution. People light lamps, decorate their houses, visit others with sweets and offer prayers.They follow a special ritual of distributing lamps as massively as possible in order to serve lord Mahavira’s teaching of spreading knowledge and destroying ignorance from the world.

Bihar’s Pavapuri the main worship place & Jain tirth becomes a special attraction on the occasion of Diwali. Thousands of Mahavira followers from around the world visit Pavapuri. Pavapuri temples and streets are decorated to welcome the visitors.

In respectful ode to lord Mahavira’s contribution in enlightening the human kind, Svetambara Jains observe rigorous fasting on Diwali for around three days. Chants and rhymes from Uttaradhyayan Suttra are recited on the occasion of Diwali.

Diwali is addressed as the Nirvana Kalyanaka Divas or Naya Saal, New Year for the multi-facet significance of Diwali in Jainism. The Diwali Festival is celebrated peacefully and as per religious rituals in the Jain community. So this Festival is begning of the New Year for Jain Community.