In Jainism, Holi has no religious or spiritual significance.
However, Jain literature mentions a story that explains how this festival came into practice.
Who Was Holi?
Holi was the daughter of a wealthy moneylender.
She was involved in an illicit relationship with another man. Her maid helped her maintain this affair.
Fear and the Crime
Over time, Holi became fearful. She believed that only her maid knew the truth. She thought that if the maid spoke, her life would be ruined.
Driven by this fear, Holi decided to kill her maid. She burned the maid alive in fire.
Rebirth as a Vyantarni Devi
After death, the maid was reborn as a Vyantarni Devi.
Through Avadhi Gyaan, she knew the events of her previous life. She learned how she had been burned by Holi.
The Town Suffers
Filled with anger and resentment, the Vyantarni Devi sought revenge. She afflicted the entire town with a severe disease.
The people were terrified. They began praying together. They pleaded that any heavenly being responsible should reveal itself. They promised to fulfill any demand in return.
Revelation of the Truth
The Vyantarni Devi appeared before the people. She narrated the entire story of Holi. She explained the cause of the town’s suffering.
The Demand
The people asked her to state her wishes. At first, she refused. After much insistence, she agreed.
She demanded that every year a structure of Holi be made. It should be built with wood and surrounded by hay. The structure should be burned.
She also demanded that people dance and sing. They should bow and circle around the fire. They should apply the ashes on their heads every year.
Beginning of the Tradition
Out of fear, the people accepted these demands. They continued the practice every year.
Over time, the tradition spread to other regions. Eventually, it came to be celebrated as the festival of Holi.
Source Reference
Many people may find this story difficult to believe. Therefore, the source must be clearly mentioned. This story is found in the Hindi publication of Gyananand Shravakachar Ji, on page number 215.
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The story of Holi narrated in Hindi by Achyutkant Ji:
