Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in India. Better known as Deepavali or the festival of lights, it's a celebration that`s embraced by everyone. Diwali brings together people of different faiths and persuasions, with each adding flavour and fun to the festival.
In Jain Dharma, Diwali is celebration of Tirthankar Mahavira`s contributions to humankind; it commemorates Mahavira`s attainment of moksha or salvation in Bihar`s Pavapuri.
Mahavira contributed to the growth of scientific temper and encouraged people to overcome superstition and blind faith. His teachings advocate gender equity, and also equity in all spheres including economic, political and social. He emphasised the importance of all species and he advocated a compassionate and ethical way of life that would help us evolve to higher planes.
Mahavira promoted the concept of aparigraha or non-possessiveness to protect biodiversity from human greed. The other important fundamental philosophy of Jainism is anek ntavda or principle of pluralism and multiplicity of viewpoints, and adoption of compassion and non-violence as a way of life.
The fivefold mantra in Jainism offers obeisance not to God, but to the arihants or perfected beings, siddhas or liberated souls, acharyas or masters, upadhyayas or teachers and sadhus or seekers. Individuals must find release through their own efforts; not through divine intervention. The first Tirthankar and founder of Jainism Rishabh Dev gave us the triple concept of Asi - Sword of Defence, Masi - arts, culture and education and Krishi - representing the agricultural way of life.
In Jainism, Diwali was first referred to as dipalika or splendour of lamps, in the Harivamsha Purana written by Acharya Jinasena. In his words, the Tirthankars illuminated Pavanagari by lamps to mark the occasion. Since then on, Diwali, the day when Mahavira attained nir-vana, is celebrated with lamps.
As tribute to the penance and sacrifice of Mahavira and his valuable contributions to our understanding of life and beyond, Swetambar Jains observe fasting during the three days of Diwali. Devotees sing and chant hymns and mantras in praise of the Tirthankar and congregate for samaik or prayer and recite verses from the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, containing the last teachings of Mahavira.
All celebration is marked by austerity, simplicity, serenity, equity, calmness, charity, philanthropy and environment-consciousness. Firecrackers are avoided as they cause noise and atmosphere pollution. Jain temples are decorated with lights; sweets and diyas or lamps are distribu-ted - the lamps denoting knowledge or removal of ignorance. Devotees from around the world try to visit Pava-puri on this special day, offering their respects and prayers.
The Jain year commences with pratipada, following Diwali. Jain entrepreneurs launch their accounting year from Diwali. Jain scriptures also mention that one of the ardent disciples of Mahavira, Gandhara Gautam Swami attained enlightenment on this day. In Mahavira`s absence, he meditated to such an extent that his soul became liberated from all karma. Hence prayers and meditation should be performed with utmost dedi-cation in order to help eliminate the difficulties of life and finally help the soul to attain moksha.
