*¤*.¸¸.·´¨`»* * Happy Diwali * *«´¨`·.¸¸.*¤*
 | "May the festival of lights be the harbinger of joy and prosperity. |  |
DIWALI IN JAIN MYTHOLOGY
Diwali is an important Hindu festival although it is observed by the Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists as well. Referred to as the “festival of lights,” Diwali marks the triumph of good over evil, and the lighting up of lamps is a custom that stands for celebration and optimism for mankind. Lights and lamps, specifically conventional diyas are an important aspect of Diwali celebrations. Fireworks are connected with the festival almost in every region of India.
Diwali is of great significance in Jainism since on this day Lord Mahavira, the last of the jain Tirthankaras, achieved nirvana at Pavapuri. As per Jain custom, the principal follower of Mahavira, Ganadhar Gautam Swami, as well achieved absolute wisdom on this same day. Diwali is originally stated in Jain books as the date of the nirvana of Lord Mahavira. The earliest use of the word Diwalior Dipavali appears in Harivamsha Purana composed by Acharya Jinasena, written in Shaka Samvat 705.
How is Jain Diwali Different from Hindu Diwali? The manner in which Jains commemorate Diwali differs in several ways from the one celebrated by the Hindus. There is an element of plainness in whatever the Jains do, and the festival of Diwali is different. The Jains observe Diwali in the month of Kartik for three days and all through this period Jains indulge in fasting and recite the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, in which the final pravachans of Lord Mahavira, are present. They reflect upon his teachings. The Jain year commences with pratipada subsequent to Diwali. Jain businessmen conventionally launch their accounting year from Diwali. Diwali illuminates the temple of heart and reveals the horizon of inner heart. It is Diwali which drenches all living beings with love. Diwali has been observed for fairly a great period of time. But Jains observe it since it marks the Nirvana Kalyanaka of Lord Mahavir. Gautam Swami, the principal Ganadhar, had performed the actual worship of Lord Mahavir. He obtained the Omniscience or the definitive wisdom after the Nirvana of Lord Mahavir. In Mahavir Swami’s absence, he grieved to such an extent that his soul became liberated from all the bondages of Karmas. This day is regarded as the ‘New Year Day’ in a worldly sense. It can also be described as the new beginning in one’s life. This festival is observed on the ultimate day of the month of Ashwin. The first day of the month of Kartik, or the subsequent day after Diwali is referred to as the New Year Day.
On the day of the Niravana Kalyanaka of Lord Mahavir, the Jap or chant of ‘Shri Mahavir Swami Sarvgnaya Namh’ is performed at night and at midnight the Jap or chant of ‘Shri Mahavir Swami Parangataya Namh’ is performed by the people belonging to the Jain sect. Early in the morning of the New Year Day, the Jap or chant of 20 Navakarvalis or string with beads is performed. The verse is ‘Shri Gautam Swami Sarvgnaya Namh’. The ceremony and meditation should be performed with utmost dedication in order to eliminate the difficulties of life and finally help the soul to attain Moksha.