Mahavir Jayanti 2025: Jain Body Launches Marathi Encyclopedia Project To Chronicle 5,000 Years Of Jain Heritage

To mark Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, the birthday of Bhagwan Mahavir on April 20, the Jain Minority Development Economic Corporation has announced a 'Jain Marathi Vishwakosh,' an encyclopedia on the Jain religion. The encyclopedia will be prepared with the help of Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute and other academic institutions.

According to Lalit Gandhi, Chairman of Mumbai-based Jain Minority Development Economic Corporation, the encyclopedia will serve as a valuable resource for understanding Jainism's rich heritage and its impact on Indian culture. "Work on the book will start on April 10. The government of India has declared Pali, Prakrit, and Marathi as classical languages. To take the recognition forward, old Jain manuscripts in Pali and Prakrit will be made available in Marathi for people who do not understand the old languages," said Gandhi. "Apart from religious philosophy, Jain texts also discuss science, medicine, ancient engineering, and temple architecture."

The encyclopedia will cover over 5,000 years from ancient to modern Jain history, from the first spiritual leader, or tirthankara, Rishabh Nath, to Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last tirthankar. The Jain Minority Development Economic Corporation, led by Chairman Lalit Gandhi, has formed a committee comprising renowned literary figures, scholars, and experts for the encyclopedia project. An editorial board of scholars will be given the 

On Wednesday, Jains gathered at over 6000 centres across the world to chant the Navkar Mahamantra for global peace and prosperity. Organised by Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), the event was held from 8.01 am to 9.36 am (IST). In a message to the community, Acharya Naypadmasagar Suri asked followers to chant the mantra, an obeisance to spiritual beings, nine billion times - once for every human being.