Jains observed the birthday of lord Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th and the last Tirthankara (teaching god) of Avasarpinim, at the Jain Temple here on Sunday.
According to Jain texts, lord Mahavira was born on the 13th day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Chaitra in 599 BCE. He was named Vardhamana, which means “one who grows”. Several historians believe that he was born in a place called Ahalya Bhumi, and it has not been ploughed for hundreds of years by the family that owns it.
Born to Mahavira King Siddhartha of Kundagrama and Queen Trishala, Mahavira belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty. It is said that during his birth, the queen used to have a number of auspicious dreams of a great soul.
To mark observance of the day, a prabhat pheri involving hundreds of devotees moved from the Jain Temple to many parts of the town. They sang Bhanjas and slogans.
lord Mahavir was worshipped at all the temples in Jeypore too. The worship started at about 7 am with conducting of Kalshabhishek.
Jain Yuva Parishad distributed fruits and other edible materials between the patients of Sadar Hospital and also organised a free langar at the Hanuman Temple for beggars.
In the noon, a grand procession with a chariot pulled by four white horses was taken out from the the Mahavir temple to the Jain Temple. While women devotees wore saffron cloths, men were in white dress. Shanti dhara and jalabhishek were performed at the Jain Temple.
In the evening cultural programmes, including a devotional song programme, were organised. Jain Sadvi Adi guided the whole programme, which concluded with a prabachan programme participated by Jain Sadhvi Sr Hanskirtiji Marasab, Dakshasshriji Marasab, Sasan Deepika and Pujya Shri Rajyashreeji Marasa.