Though Hindus and Jains celebrate
Diwali at the same time, it is for entirely different reasons. For Jains it marks the day when Lord Mahavir departed from his earthly body, to attain moksha. He is believed to have attained
moksha at midnight on Diwali day, after his final discourse - the Uttaradhyäyan.
Legend says that this practice of lighting lamps was started by eighteen kings from North India who were present at Mahavir's final discourse. They decided to keep the 'light of his knowledge' alive by lighting lamps all around the country.
Jains rejoice over Lord Mahavir's moksha during Deep Diwali. For them it is also an occasion for remembering the teachings of Mahavir and to light the inner lamp of knowledge.
