Is Mahavira the founder of Jainism?

No — the twenty-fourth Tirthankara in a line the tradition holds to be far older. He is the last and the best attested historically, which is why his dates anchor the tradition.

Mahavir Jayanti

Also called Mahaveer Jayanthi, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak

When

Monday, 19 April 2027 in 221 days

New Delhi · change location

Sunrise5:56 AM

Sunset6:45 PM

Trayodashi until 6:08 AM

Hasta until 4:40 AM, Apr 20

7:32 AM – 9:08 AM

See the complete panchang for that day →

Why this date?

Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi.

Computed by the panchanga engine for your location
Follows a written selection rule, not a copied list
Governed by the whole day rather than a specific period
The written guide has not yet been reviewed by a named scholar

Dates come from the calculation engine and are independent of the written guide. How we calculate →

Dates in the coming years

Published to 2030. Later years appear as the dataset is extended and validated.

What In short

The birth anniversary of Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara. Jain temples hold the abhisheka of his image, a rath yatra is taken out, and the day is marked by charity and by acts of ahimsa.

Deity: Mahavira

Why The reason behind it

Mahavira's teaching of ahimsa, anekantavada and aparigraha is what the day observes rather than the birth alone. The processions are deliberately unelaborate by the standards of the season around them, and the charity — particularly to animals — is the characteristic act.

Traditional basis

Kalpa Sutra — The account of Mahavira's birth and life on which the Janma Kalyanak rests.

Jain observance tradition — The abhisheka, the rath yatra and the prescribed acts of the day.

How At home, step by step

Attend the abhisheka at a Jain temple.
Join the rath yatra where one is taken out.
Charity, and abstention from harm, are the day's practice.

Fasting and breaking the fast

Many Jains fast; it is not a fasting day in general Hindu practice.

Fasting guidance here describes traditional practice. It is not medical advice — if you are pregnant, diabetic, on medication or unwell, ask a doctor about your own circumstances.

Personal In your region

North India yours
Kept at the Jain temples; a gazetted holiday.
Gujarat (Gujarati)
Kept widely; Palitana and the Gujarat temples are the principal sites.
Maharashtra (Marathi)
Kept in the Jain communities with processions.

For children

The birthday of Mahavira, who taught that you should not harm any living thing at all — and Jains take that very seriously.

Common questions

Is Mahavira the founder of Jainism?: No — the twenty-fourth Tirthankara in a line the tradition holds to be far older. He is the last and the best attested historically, which is why his dates anchor the tradition.

This guide has not yet been reviewed by a named scholar or practising priest. The dates and times on this page come from the calculation engine and are independent of it; the explanatory text is editorial and may not reflect your family's practice. Tell us if something is wrong.