Here are the main important points about Mahavir Jayanti (Mahavir Janma Kalyanak) in simple form:

1. What is Mahavir Jayanti?

- It is the Janma Kalyanak (birth kalyanak) of Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar. - One of the most important festivals in the Jain calendar.

1. When is it celebrated?

- On Chaitra Shukla 13 (Chaitra Sud Teras) as per the Jain lunar calendar. - This usually falls in March–April (English calendar).

1. Historical details (according to Jain tradition)

- Birth place: Kundalpur/Kundagrama near Vaishali (today’s Bihar). - Parents: King Siddharth and Queen Trishladevi. - Time: Around 599 BCE (traditional Jain dating). - Before his birth, Mata Trishla saw 14 (Śvetāmbara) / 16 (Digambara) auspicious dreams, showing that a great Tirthankar would be born.

1. Spiritual importance

Mahavir Jayanti is not only a birthday celebration; it is a reminder to follow Mahavir Bhagwan’s main teachings: - Ahimsa – complete non‑violence in thought, word and action. - Satya – truthfulness. - Asteya/Achaurya – not stealing. - Brahmacharya – celibacy / control of sensuality. - Aparigraha – non‑possessiveness, limiting desires.

1. How Jains celebrate (main practices)

- Snatra Puja / Abhishek of Mahavir Swami. - Special Pujans and bhakti of Mahavir Bhagwan. - Prabhat‑pheri, rath‑yatra / varghoda in many cities. - Listening to discourses (pravachans) on Mahavir’s life and vows. - Fasting (upvaas), aayambil, ekasana, etc. - Daan and seva – charity, helping the needy, animal welfare, etc. - Many people take or renew anuvrat / vows of non‑violence, truth and restraint.

1. Śvetāmbara – Digambara notes

- Both observe the Janma Kalyanak on Chaitra Shukla 13. - Difference is mainly in: - Number of dreams (14 vs 16). - Kalpasutra Janma‑vanchan (birth narration of Mahavir during Paryushan) is mainly a Śvetāmbara practice and is separate from the actual Mahavir Jayanti day.

1. Main message of the day

- Make your life peaceful, harmless and simple. - Increase compassion (daya) and forgiveness (kshama) towards all living beings. - Reduce anger, pride, deceit and greed. - Move a little closer to self‑control and inner purity, as shown by Bhagwan Mahavir’s example.

For a simple story‑style explanation of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, you can read more here