Federation Of Jain Associations in North America
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Jai Jinendra! | ||
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Bhagwan Mahavira Nirvana Divas, also known as Bhagwan Mahavir’s Nirvan Kalyanak Divas. On this day Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara had attained the bliss of Nirvana on the dawn of Amavasya of the Ashwin month (Hindu calendar), 527 B.C. at Pavapuri. It was a very dark night without the light of the Gods or the moon. So, the sixteen Gana kings, nine Malla and nine Lichchhavi of Kasi and Kosal decided, that the light of their master’s knowledge should be kept alive symbolically by lighting the lamps. | ||
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Diwali is celebrated on the no-moon day of Aaso. Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, attained Nirvana on this day at Pavapuri on Oct. 15, 527 BCE, on Chaturdashi of Kartika. The Lord discarded the body and the bondage of all Karmas on that night, at Pavapuri. In Uttara-Puraana written by Acharya Gun Bhadra (7th or 8th century) it is mentioned that in the month of Aaso, krashna paksha, swati nakshatra and on the night of the 14th (dawn of the amavasya), Lord Mahavira became a Siddha (attained nirvana). After this first follower of Bhagwan Mahavir, Gautam swami attained Kewal Gyan. | ||
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Bhagwan Mahavir knowing his emancipation was very near, reached Pavapuri alias Apapa town. The Heavenly Gods created Samosaran (beautiful dome). Bhagwan Mahavir sat on golden throne inside Samosaran. There were twelve beautiful qualities that surrounded him. It was Kali Chaudash. His principal eleven disciples were present including Gautamswami. Heavenly gods and goddesses too were present. He had royal patronage too were present. Rich financiers and merchants, kings, queens and princes and their ministers were followers of Mahavir. Some of them were present to witness the last moments and last discourses of Mahavir. | ||
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Diwali is the occasion to pay tribute to the ardent sacrifice of Mahavira.Lots of Jains observes fasting during three days of Diwali. The festival falls in the month of Kartik (usually October-November). The devotees sing and chant hymns in praise. They recite phrases from the Uttaradhyayan Sutra which contains the last preachings of Lord Mahavira. | ||
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At midnight on this day Bhagwan Mahavir, the great Tirthpati, left for heavenly abode.
And besides all this, lot of money is wasted. If the same money is utilized in things such as benevolence, charity, helping in every possible way to all living-beings it would be meritorious. | ||
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The Jain year commences with pratipada, following Diwali. Jain entrepreneurs launch their accounting year from Diwali. Diwali illuminates the temple of heart and reveals the horizon of the inner heart. Jain scriptures also mention that one of the ardent disciples of Mahavir, Gandhara Gautam Swami attained enlightenment on this day. In Mahavir's,departure he meditated to such an extent that his soul became liberated from all karma. |