Mahavir Nirvana Kalyanak Divas is one of the most important day in our calender. On this day Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankar had attained the bliss of Nirvana (liberation) on the dawn of Amavasya of the Ashwin month 527 B.C. at Pawapuri. To this day, this occasion is celebrated as Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolising the perpetuation and universalisation of His truth-revealing and soul-illuminating light of knowledge, in His physical absence.

This is the last day of the Hindu and Jain calendar year. The celebration involves fasting, recitals of hymns and reading of Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which contains the last sermon of Bhagwan Mahavir.

New Year begins with a glorification of Gautam Swami (chief disciple of Bhagwan Mahavir) and we listen to the Nine Stotras. Bhagwan Mahavir is worshiped on this day and sacred scriptures are recited. Devotees assemble at Pawapuri (Bihar) to offer their prayers as Pawapuri was the place where Bhagwan attained Nirvana, this Parva is also celebrated with great gusto in Girnar (Gujarat) and also worldwide.

From a social aspect the occasion is celebrated in a traditional manner by greeting and offering sweets to the loved ones. The Jain year starts with Pratipada (a day after Diwali).

IMPORTANCE OF UTTRADHYAN SUTRA

Shri Uttaradhyayan Sutra is revered as Bhagwan Mahavira’s last sermon, wherein He imparted invaluable knowledge continuously for 48 hours before attaining nirvan in Pawapuri. It was about 1000 years later that Shri Devardhigani Kshamashramanji compiled this immortal treasure-trove of wisdom in its present form, which has been preserved till date. Through 36 chapters Shri Uttaradhyayan Sutra offers insights into a variety of subjects ranging from fundamental doctrines of Jainism and Jain Codes of Conduct, to interesting narratives that nourish spirituality.

Similarly we all should follow Uttradhyan sutra as it was last sermon of our Bhagwan. Today in many temples worldwide, Uttradhyan sutra is worshipped on the day of Mahavir Nirvaan Kalyanak Diwali.

The first chapter of Uttradhyan Sutra starts with Vinay –Respect to our Tirthankars, Dharmaguru and Kevli Prarupit Dharma. The last chapter is on Jiva Jiv Pravibhakti- means here Bhagwan has explicitly mentioned divisions and sub divisions of Living and non-living beings.

There are 4 types of Anuyog accoding to Anuyog Dwar Sutra. They are as follows

1. Dravyanuyog- it includes those Aagams which deals with 6 dravyas and 9 tatvas for example Jivabhigam Sutra, Uvavai Sutra.
2. Charankarnanuyog- it includes those Aagams which deals with the aachar/characters of monkhs. For example Acharang Sutra
3. Ganitanuyog- it inclides those Aagams which deals with the length, sizes, numbers and calculations of Sashwat(permanent) things like Devlok, Dweep and samudras and naralok etc. for example Janbudweep Pragyapti Sutra, Chandrappragyapti Sutra.
4. Dharmakathanuyog- it includes those Aagams which deals with religious stories. For example Gyatadharmakatha Sutra, Vipak Sutra.

Out of all the Aagams, Uttradhyan Sutra is the only Aagam in which all the 4 Anuyog are included.

1. Swadhyay of Dravyanuyog purifies our darshan/smaiyktva.
2. Swadhyay of Charankarnanuyog purifies our Character/Charitra.
3. Swadhyaya of Ganitanuyog increases concentration power.
4. Swadhyay of Dharmakathanuyog purifies our Knowledge/Gyan, Darshan and Character/Charitra and also strengthens our belief.

Therefore once in our life time we all should go through Utradhyan Sutra.