Bengaluru: Yesterday was an auspicious day for the Jain Community. Thursday marked the commemoration of the birth and philosophy of Lord Mahaveer. Members of the Jain community celebrated Mahaveer Jayanthi with religious fervour. Prayers, processions and religious rituals marked the occasion. This was combined with a massive rally and ‘ratha yatra’ which were organised at the Wilson Garden by Khandelwal Digamber Jain Samaj.

Thousands of devotees took part in the ratha yatra with a chariot carrying the idol of Lord Mahaveer. The rally also witnessed troupes performing dances in their traditional attire and devotees dancing around music bands.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who took part in the ‘2614 Shravana Bhagwan Mahavir Janma Kalyanaka Mahotsava’ at Freedom Park said that following the principles of Jainism was the permanent solution to fight terrorism. “While terrorism can be controlled with the help of the army, it is not possible to wipe it out completely,” he said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who was also present on the occasion, said the State government had decided to set up a research centre in the State, dedicated to the study of Jain sculptures.

Jain temples decorated with flags were thronged by devotees in various parts of the City. The idol of Lord Mahaveer was given a ceremonial ‘abhishek’ by the priests at Shree Nakoda Avati 108 Parshwanth Jain Temple, Devanahalli. More than 200 devotees offered their prayers and observed the rituals.

Nisha Jain, one of the devotees, said: “It is a very auspicious day for us. On this day, we visit the temples and offer abhishek to Mahaveer’s idol. Majestic chariot processions are also taken out by devotees while chanting prayers. The main motto of the celebrations is “live and let live.”