The followers of Jainism celebrate Moksha Kalyanaka of their 24th Tirthankara Lord Mahavira as Diwali in solemn way. It was on the day of Diwali that Lord Mahavira left his mortal coil and got liberated from the birth-death cycle of life.
Thus, Diwali is observed by the followers of Jainism as the Nirvana or Moksha anniversary of Lord Mahavira on Kartika Amavasya by lighting earthen oil lamps. On Diwali morning, Nirvana Ladoo in all Jain temples to remind that the ultimate aim of of life is conquer mind and attain Moksha.
In Jainism, worldly existence is seen as cycle of rebirths, has a definite beginning and end in Jainism and perfect souls with the body are called Arihant or victors and perfect souls without the body are called Siddhas or liberated souls. The Jain scripture hold that the liberated pure soul or Siddha who goes up to the summit of universe or Siddhashila to dwell in eternal Bliss as Nirvana state.
Also, the Jain New Year commences right after Diwali.
The lights on Diwali are symbolic of self-knowledge or removal of darkness of ignorance in Jainism.
A SENTENCE ACROSTIC ON JAINISM
J: Jina (The conqueror) is the one who
A: Attains self-control and self-victory and develops
I: Insights for right knowledge, conduct and vision for attaining
N: Nirvana by making the soul feel the
I: Infinite bliss and
S: Shedding the karmic bandages of the
M: Materialistic world to spiritualize oneself.
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