Mahavir Jayanti 2016
People from Jain community offer prayers in Ahmedabad.Reuters

Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahavira, who is also known as Vardhamāna, is the most important religious occasion for the Jains. This year, the auspicious day is observed on Tuesday, April 19.

According to Jainism, Mahavira was born in the year 599 BC on the 13th day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Chaitra. He is often called the founder of Jainism and was the 24th and the last Tirthankara (teaching God) of the religion. He followed the vows of ahimsa (non-injury), asteya (non-thieving), satya (truth), brahmacharya (chastity) and aparigraha (non-attachment).

"On Mahavir Jayanti, we recall the pure thoughts & ideals of Lord Mahavir & reaffirm our commitment towards a harmonious & peaceful society [sic]," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the followers of Jainism through his Twitter page.

Many celebrities and politicians, including Amitabh Bachchan, Rahul Gandhi, Anandiben Patel and Vasundhara Raje, among many others, have published greetings of Mahavir Jayanti on their social media handles.

Here are few wishes and messages to be shared on Mahavir Jayanti:

If simple words can express great thoughts,
I wish my simple prayer can make your life great.
Happy Mahavir Jayanti.

May the peace and harmony of Mahavir be with you now and always. Happy Mahavir Jayanti to you and your family.

I pray to Mahavira to bless you abundantly and fill your life with the virtue of truth, non-violence and compassion! Happy Mahavir Jayanti!

Arihant ki boli
Siddhon ka saar
Acharyon ka path
Sadhuon ka sath
Ahinsa ka prachar
Mubarak ho aapko Mahivar Jaynti ka tyoha

Mahavir jinka naam hai, palithana jinka dham hai,
Ahinsha jinka nara hai, aise thrishla nandan ko lakh pranam hamara hai. 

Check out Mahavir Jayanti wishes by celebrities and politicians here:

Ravindra Bhusari

Wishing Peace, Happiness & Harmony on the auspicious occasion of #MahavirJayanti.

Office of Rahul Gandhi

Best wishes to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti

Anandiben Patel

On Mahavir Jayanti, let's pray to Lord Mahavir to always guide us to follow path of eternal peace & compassion shown by him. Jai Jinendra!

Ashok Gehlot â€

Warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of #MahavirJayanti . We should follow the path shown by Bhagwan Mahavir. #HappyMahavirJayanti

Vasundhara Raje

Greetings on Mahavir Jayanti! Lord Mahavir's life & teachings of truth, ahimsa & compassion will keep inspiring mankind for eternity!

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