Why with numbers are doing Saffron Pooja to the idol of Lord Mahavir?
The saffron (kesar) offering made to the idol of Lord Mahavir is part of the elaborate worship rituals (Abhisheka) that many in the Jain community now perform enthusiastically, especially during festivals like Mahavir Jayanti [1]. Offerings of water, rice, fruit, incense, lamps, and sweets are made to the Tirthankar idol as part of this worship [1]. The saffron color is traditionally considered auspicious and pure in Indian culture, and offering it symbolizes devotion and reverence.
The deeper spiritual significance of such offerings is explained in Jain philosophy: each offering represents a spiritual aspiration. For instance, offerings are made to express the desire for liberation (Siddhshila) and to aspire toward the state of foodlessness (Anahari Pada) [2]. The worship of the idol is meant to help devotees internalize the qualities of Lord Mahavir—non-attachment, renunciation, and the path to liberation—rather than for material benefit, as Mahavir himself opposed ritualism for material gain [1]. The external offerings serve as reminders of the internal spiritual goals of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct [5].
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According to the Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavir's height was **seven cubits (सात हाथ)** tall [1][2][3]. A cubit is an ancient unit of length based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, typically around 18–21 inches (45–53 cm). Therefore, seven cubits would roughly translate to approximately **10.5 to 12.25 feet (3.2 to 3.7 meters)** tall. The scriptures also describe his body as having a *sam-chaturasra* (perfectly symmetrical) structure with a *vajra-rishabh-narach* constitution, meaning his joints were perfect and exceptionally strong [1][2][3]. His complexion was fair, like a line of gold or the pollen of a lotus [2][3].
Based on the provided sources, here are a few notable incidents from Lord Mahavira's life: - **Harassment by people and insects:** After his renunciation, his body was anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste (goshirsh-chandan). Attracted by the scent, numerous insects like bumblebees stung his body, sucked blood, and tore flesh for more than four months. Also, while he stood in meditation, some people would greet him while others beat him with sticks or played the veena to distract him, but he remained unmoved and absorbed in his meditation [1]. - **Troubles by the god Sangama:** The god Sangama created many obstacles (upasargas) for Lord Mahavira, including defiling all the pure food and water in the village of Gokula where the Lord had gone to break his fast. Despite this, the Lord felt no anger or hatred. Realizing the Lord's spiritual strength and unwavering resolve, Sangama eventually fell at his feet and sought pardon, which the Lord granted [2]. - **False complaint by other sages:** During his first rainy season retreat in Moraka, cows grazed around his hut and even destroyed it, but the Lord did not drive them away. Other sages, unable to tolerate his patience, lodged a false complaint against him with the Head-Ascetic, claiming people thought Mahavira was the only true ascetic while they were "a band of rogues" [3].
According to the Jain tradition, Lord Mahavira's soul first entered the womb of Devananda, a Brahmin lady, the wife of the Brahmin Rishabhadatta [3][4]. However, the embryo was transferred to the womb of Trishala, the wife of the Kshatriya chief Siddhartha, by the god Harinegamaishi on the orders of Indra [4][5]. This was done because Devananda had to pay the penalty for her previous misdeed of hiding a jewel-studded box belonging to Trishala, which resulted in a gains-obstructing karma [4]. Thus, Lord Mahavira was ultimately born from the womb of Trishala, a Kshatriya lady, and not from the Brahmin womb of Devananda [5].
In the Swetambar Jain tradition, the **Nine Ang Puja** is performed on nine body parts (Angs) of the Tirthankar idol. For each of the nine places, you recite one line of the **Namaskar Mantra** (Navkar Mantra) as follows: 1. **Right Toe, then Left Toe** – *Namo Arihantanam* 2. **Right Knee, then Left Knee** – *Namo Siddhanam* 3. **Center of Arm, then Left Arm** – *Namo Aayariyanam* 4. **Right Shoulder, then Left Shoulder** – *Namo Uvajjayanam* 5. **Top of Head (center)** – *Namo Loa Savva Sahunam* 6. **Center of Forehead** – *Eso Panch Namukkaro* 7. **Center of Throat** – *Savva Pava Panasano* 8. **Center of Chest** – *Mangala Nam Cha Savve Sim* 9. **Navel** – *Padhamum Hawai Mangalam* Important notes: The right and left sides refer to the **Murti (idol)**, not the person doing the puja. Also, the Right Toe is on the opposite side than the Right Knee, Arm, and Shoulder of the Murti. During the puja, you should cover your mouth and nose with a piece of white cloth [1].
Bhagavan Mahavir had an elder brother named Nandivardhan and a sister named Sudarshana [1, 3, 4, 5].
The early days of Mahavir (born as Prince Vardhaman) were spent in a royal Kshatriya family, as Jain tradition holds that all Tirthankaras are born into warrior royal families because it provides an environment to experience that material comfort brings no permanent happiness [2]. His parents were King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, who was the sister of King Chetak of Vaishali [2][3]. The family prospered from the moment of his conception, which is why he was named Vardhaman, meaning "ever-increasing prosperity" [2][4]. He had an older brother named Nandivardhan and a sister named Sudarshana [2][4]. The sources do not mention Mahavir hunting or eating meat as a child. His childhood is described as unusually intelligent, fearless, affectionate, and compassionate — he excelled at school with little instruction and showed great courage, such as catching a snake by the tail and throwing it away, and remaining unmoved when a giant monster tried to frighten him [3][4]. This bravery earned him the name Mahavir, meaning "very brave" [4]. His parents, along with the Naya Kshatriyas, were worshippers of Lord Parsva Nath (the 23rd Tirthankara), and they established a monastery named Duipalasa near their town to provide facilities for Parsvanath worshippers performing their religious rites [1]. At a mature age, he married Princess Yashoda and had a daughter named Priyadarshana (though the Digambar tradition holds he did not marry) [3]. He realized worldly pleasures were fleeting and wanted to renounce, but waited until his parents passed away when he was 28 years old [3][4].