Vikram Samvat facts for kids

The Vikram era, also known as Vikram Samvat, is a special calendar from India. It started a very long time ago, in 57 BC. This means it began about 57 years before the year 0 on the Gregorian calendar that most of the world uses today.

The Vikram Samvat calendar begins in the month of Vaisakha. This month usually happens around April in the Gregorian calendar. The start of this calendar celebrates a big victory. It marks the day when a brave king named Vikramaditya defeated the Saka people. The Sakas had invaded a city called Ujjain. To remember this important event, a new calendar was created in his honor.

The Story of the Vikram Era

The story behind the Vikram era is quite old and interesting. It was first told by a wise Jain monk named Mahesara Suri.

King Gardabhilla and the Monk

Long ago, there was a powerful king in Ujjain named Gardabhilla. He did something wrong by kidnapping a Jain nun, who was the sister of the monk Mahesara Suri. The monk was very upset and went to the Saka King to ask for help.

The Saka King agreed to help. He fought against King Gardabhilla and won. Gardabhilla was captured and became a prisoner. However, he was later forgiven and managed to escape into a forest. Sadly, a tiger killed him there.

Vikramaditya's Victory

Later, King Vikramaditya arrived in Ujjain. He was a very strong and brave leader. Vikramaditya fought against the Sakas and successfully drove them out of Ujjain. This was a huge achievement for him and his people.

To celebrate this great victory and to mark the beginning of a new, peaceful time, King Vikramaditya started a brand new calendar. This calendar was named the Vikrama era, or Vikram Samvat, after him. It has been used in parts of India ever since.

Images for kids

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  Kalakacharya and the Saka King

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