Mahaveerji fair is a feather in the cap of Indian fairs. It has earned a special place of pride. The fair is held every year at The Mahaveerji Temple dedicated to Mahavir Swami, the 26th Tirthankara of Jains. The temple premise is known as katala and it is said that the idol of Mahaveer Swami mounted here was unearthed by a leather worker from the nearby hillock popularly known as Devta-Ka-Tila .
The fair is structured in Chandan Gaon, located about 176 kms away from Jaipur. The fair is celebrated with great zeal by the Jain community specifically by Digamber sect. Jains from far and wide come to pay reverence to the Saint.
Mahaveerji Fair falls between Chaitra Shukla Ekadasi and Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya or March-April of English calendar. The devotees congregate at the temple to meditate and serve the saints to seek their blessings.
The ritual of cleansing aka ‘Prakshalan’ of picture of Mahaveerji is performed early in the morning. It is then followed by worship, a ritual called ‘Ashta Argha’ in which eight kinds of donations are made. Rice, yellow and white flowers, camphor, sandalwood, saffron, crystallized sugar and dry fruits are offered religiously.
In evening whole temple dazzle with many diyas and it is the time for the ‘Aarti’. "Rath Yatra" is the exclusive feature of Mahavirji Fair. The fair reaches its zenith on Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya, the day when it is held. The splendor of the procession impresses everyone. The procession carries the image of Mahavirji in a golden chariot to the bank of Gambhiri River. The devotees sing devotional hymns in praise of Mahavir Swami and give call of Shri Mahavir Swami Ki jai!’ aloud.
After the ceremony, the procession returns to the temple and the image is restored at the vedi of the temple.
In the evening ‘Aarti’ is performed. Lamps of pure Ghee are lit.
This is the high time for village traders as they earn a considerable profit in the fair. They sell food grains, cloth, toys and other merchandises in temporary setup of shops. Jain students stages plays on the life of Mahaveer swami and his philosophy. The celebrations included merry go rounds, circus and many other means of entertainment.
Time to celebrate
Mahaveerji Fair falls between Chaitra Shukla Ekadasi and Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya or March-April of English calendar.
How to Reach
The fair is organized at Chandangaon, which is 6.5 Kms away from ‘Shri Mahavirji’ Railway Station. Western Railway connects it to Delhi and Mumbai via a broad gauge line. It is 18 kms from Hindaun, 29 kms from Karauli and 176 kms from Jaipur.
Regular Buses are operated between Jaipur, Hindaun and Shri Mahavirji. Buses and tongas are the means of transport for the passengers to the temple.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें