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According to our texts, Lord Mahavir was born on the thirteenth day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Chaitra in the year 599 BCE (Chaitra Sud 13). Most modern historians consider Kundagram (which is today's Kundalpur in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar) as his birthplace. Mahavira was born in a democratic kingdom (Ganarajya), Vajji, where the king was chosen by votes. Vaishali was its capital. Mahavira was named 'Vardhaman', meaning "One who grows", because of the increased prosperity in the kingdom at the time of his birth. In Vasokund, Mahavira is revered by the villagers. A place called Ahalya bhumi has not been ploughed for hundreds of years by the family that owns it, as it is considered to be the birthplace of Mahavir.
The most important places of celebrations of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak are Gujarat and Rajasthan. Gujarat is said to have maximum number of Jain shrines. In India, Gujarat holds the biggest fair for this festival. Palitana and Girnar are some of the most significant places of worship of the state. On this auspicious day, all the holy places and temples associated with Mahavir are decorated with flowers, flags and diyas. The Mahavir idol is given a ritual bath ( pakshal ) before celebration and puja following a big and a grand procession. On this day, chariot processions with the images of Mahavir are taken out. Samyak gyan, samyak darshan and Samyak charitra this trio led Lord Mahavira to Kevalya Gyan, the attainment of omniscience. Jain celebrate this occasion with very happiness and excitement. This was the day when Tirthnakar Mahavir was born.
There is a tradition of distributing clothes, money, food and other necessary things to the needy people. Such facilities are organized by the Jain organizations. People get involved in charitable act, also they perform meditation and offer prayers. Lectures are organised in the temple to distribute the virtue of Jain doctrine, importance of Ahimsa, Anekant and Aprigraha. Devotees and followers of Jainism send Mahavir Janma Kalyanak messages to re-live the great teachings and life of Mahavir. This day is as auspicious as Diwali for all the Jains.
