Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major festival not only for Hindus, but also for Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. Diwali, famous as the Festival of Lights, symbolizes victory of good over evil. Small earthen lamps or diyas are lighted as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. In India, Diwali is celebrated in all everywhere without any restriction, and so, Diwali is considered as a national Indian festival. There are some Diwali significances in Jainism that are stated below
:A major significance of Diwali in Jainism is: Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana on the day of Diwali at Pavapuri.According to Jain tradition and beliefs, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavira, Ganadhar Gautam Swami, also attained complete knowledge or Kevalgyana on this very auspicious day of Diwali.
Thus, it calls for a great Jainism Diwali celebration to mark the enlightenment of the two great Jain teachers. This is one of the prime Diwali significance in Jainism.
The other significance in Jainism regarding Diwali is that the word "Diwali" is first mentioned in Jain books. The day is stated as the date of the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Mahavira. The oldest usage of the word "Diwali" or "Deepavali" occurs in Harivamsha-Purana written by Acharya Jinasena. The book is composed in Shaka Samvat 705.
There is Jainism significance of the Diwali lamps also. According to the Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu, 3rd century BC, the significance of lights are explained: "with light of knowledge gone, we make light of ordinary matter".
The Jainism celebration of Diwali is different in several ways as the Jains are always ascetic in whatever they do. The Jains celebrate Diwali for three days in the month of Kartik. During this three-day period, the Swetambaras or the devoted Jains observe fasting and go on chanting the Uttaradhyayan Sutra. This Sutra comprises the final pravachans of Lord Mahavira and thus meditates on him. The Jain New Year starts with Pratipada following Diwali, and so, the Jain businessmen traditionally started their accounting year from the day of Diwali.
:A major significance of Diwali in Jainism is: Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana on the day of Diwali at Pavapuri.According to Jain tradition and beliefs, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavira, Ganadhar Gautam Swami, also attained complete knowledge or Kevalgyana on this very auspicious day of Diwali.
Thus, it calls for a great Jainism Diwali celebration to mark the enlightenment of the two great Jain teachers. This is one of the prime Diwali significance in Jainism.
The other significance in Jainism regarding Diwali is that the word "Diwali" is first mentioned in Jain books. The day is stated as the date of the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Mahavira. The oldest usage of the word "Diwali" or "Deepavali" occurs in Harivamsha-Purana written by Acharya Jinasena. The book is composed in Shaka Samvat 705.
There is Jainism significance of the Diwali lamps also. According to the Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu, 3rd century BC, the significance of lights are explained: "with light of knowledge gone, we make light of ordinary matter".
The Jainism celebration of Diwali is different in several ways as the Jains are always ascetic in whatever they do. The Jains celebrate Diwali for three days in the month of Kartik. During this three-day period, the Swetambaras or the devoted Jains observe fasting and go on chanting the Uttaradhyayan Sutra. This Sutra comprises the final pravachans of Lord Mahavira and thus meditates on him. The Jain New Year starts with Pratipada following Diwali, and so, the Jain businessmen traditionally started their accounting year from the day of Diwali.
1 comments:
hi..
im preparing a research paper, on significance of Diwali-as a Jaina festivals.Could u possibly suggest a few book..
of historical significance,
thanks.
Chhavi
chhavipcs@gmail.com
m.a.student at JNU
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