Mahavira

Mahavira, born in 599 BCE and died in 527 BCE, is the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of Jainism. He is revered for systematizing and codifying the teachings of Jainism.

Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, is the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara of Jainism. He was born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama, near Vaishali in present-day Bihar, India, into a royal family. At the age of 30, he renounced his princely life to lead an ascetic life in search of spiritual truth.

For twelve years, Mahavira practiced rigorous austerities and meditation, ultimately attaining kevala jnana (omniscience or perfect knowledge) at the age of 42. After attaining enlightenment, he spent the rest of his life preaching the principles of Jainism, traveling across India to teach non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), chastity (brahmacharya), and non-attachment (aparigraha).

Mahavira died in 527 BCE at Pava (now Pavapuri in Bihar). His work profoundly impacted Jainism, consolidating its doctrines and establishing a community of monks, nuns, and lay followers. His teachings continue to guide Jain practitioners worldwide.