Diwali (Jainism)
Diwali has a very special significance in Jainism. It marks the anniversary of Nirvana (final release) or liberation of Mahavira's soul, the twenty fourth and last Jain Tirthankar of present cosmic age. It is celebrated at the same time as the Hindu festival of Diwali.
History
Mahavira attained Moksha (liberation) on this day at Pavapuri on Oct. 15, 527 BCE, on Chaturdashi of Kartika, as confirmed by Tilyapannatti of Yativrashaba.
Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of this era, revitalised Jain dharma. According to tradition, the chief disciple of Mahavira, Ganadhara Gautam Swami also attained complete knowledge (Kevalgyana) on this day, thus making Diwali one of the most important Jain festivals.
Mahavira attained his nirvana at the dawn of the amavasya (new moon). According to the Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu, 3rd century BCE, many gods were present there, illuminating the darkness. The following night was pitch black without the light of the gods or the moon. To symbolically keep the light of their master's knowledge alive:
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