AGARTALA, April 19 (TIWN): Along with the nation, the Jain community in Tripura on Tuesday observed Mahavir Janmajayanti at Mahavir temple with devotion and fervour.

As a part of the occasion hundreds of devotees from the Jain community gathered at the temple and offered prayers.

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated by the Jain community commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. It is the most important festival for Jains. Mahavira is the 24th and the last Tirthankara, who preached the essence of life, virtue and non-violence towards all living beings. According to the Swetambaras, he was born in 599 BC but Digambar school of Jainsim believe that Mahavira was born in 615 BC.

Lord Mahavir, also referred to as Indian sage Vardhamana, was born in Kundalagrama, Bihar, as a son to king Siddartha and Queen Trishala. At the age of 30, he renounced his throne and other worldly possessions, and spent twelve years of his life as ascetic. Mahavira gave highest respect to all living beings and preached non-violence.

He also set exemplary control over his senses which later earned him the name Mahavira. At the age of 72, he attained nirvana, and devoted the rest of his life to preach spiritual freedom. Thus, to mark the birth of Lord Mahavira and his preaching, his followers celebrate Mahavir Jayanti with great fervour.

Mahavir Jayanti is a sacred festival for Jains and followers across the world celebrate it in a grand way by taking out processions that might include chariot, horses, elephants, drummers and chanters. Silent prayers are also offered and his preaching is recapitulated in the form of sermons to the followers on this day. Traditional Mahavir Jayanti recipes are also prepared in order to celebrate the festival.

Jain community in Tripura celebrated Mahavir Jayanti in a colourful way by decorating the Jain temples with flags and offering aids to the poor people.