11 April 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC

1. Navkar Mahamantra Divas: Celebrating Mahavir Jayanti

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2120649 )

Topic: GS1 – Indian History – Personalities

Context

PM Modi inaugurated Navkar Mahamantra Divas on Mahavir Jayanti, highlighting Jainism’s relevance to sustainability and national growth.

Bhagwan Mahavir:

 

 

 

 

 

Early Life and Background

• Bhagwan Mahavir was born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama, a suburb of Vaishali in present-day Bihar, India.
• His birth name was Vardhamana, meaning “one who grows”, as prosperity increased in his kingdom after his birth.
• He was born into a royal Kshatriya family, the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, who belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty.

Renunciation and Spiritual Journey

• Despite growing up in luxury, Vardhamana was deeply inclined toward spirituality and detachment.
• At the age of 30, he renounced his royal life, family, and worldly possessions to pursue spiritual liberation.
• For 12 years, he practiced intense penance, meditation, and austerity, enduring hardship with equanimity.
• He attained Kevalajnana (infinite knowledge and perception) under a sal tree at the age of 42, thus becoming a Tirthankara (spiritual teacher).

Teachings and Principles

• Mahavir emphasized the Five Great Vows (Mahavratas):
  1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)
  2. Satya (Truth)
  3. Asteya (Non-stealing)
  4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
  5. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)
• He taught that liberation (moksha) is possible through Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
• He rejected caste distinctions and promoted equality, compassion, and self-discipline.

Legacy and Nirvana

• Bhagwan Mahavir attained nirvana (liberation) at the age of 72 in Pavapuri, Bihar.
• His teachings laid the foundation of Jainism, a religion rooted in non-violence and self-realization.
• His legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide to follow a life of peace, restraint, and truth. 

Practice Question:  Discuss the relevance of Bhagwan Mahavir’s principles such as Ahimsa, Aparigraha, and Satya in addressing contemporary ethical challenges in public life. (150 Words /10 marks)

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