Mahavira

Ahinsa Sthal 1

Mahajanapadas (c. 500 BCE)

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Detail of a leaf with the birth of mahavira

Mahavir Swami giving alms to a brahmin

Rujuwalika Kalyanak Bhumi Jain Temple

Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of the Jain religion. Born into a royal family in the kingdom of Vaishali (present-day Bihar, India) in the 6th century BCE, Mahavira renounced his worldly life at the age of 30 to pursue spiritual awakening. After 12 years of intense meditation and ascetic practices, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). Mahavira spent the next 30 years of his life preaching the principles of Jainism across ancient India. His teachings form the core of Jain doctrine, emphasizing non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-attachment (Aparigraha).

Early Life

Mahavira was born into the Kshatriya caste in 599 BCE to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. According to Jain texts, his birth was marked by auspicious events, signifying the arrival of a great soul. Mahavira was given the name Vardhamana, meaning "one who grows", because of the prosperity in the kingdom at the time of his birth.

Renunciation

At the age of 30, after the death of his parents, Mahavira abandoned his royal life and possessions to follow the path of asceticism. His quest for spiritual enlightenment led him to endure extreme hardships, including prolonged fasts, nakedness, and meditation in secluded and inhospitable places.

Enlightenment and Teachings

After 12 years of ascetic life, Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana under a Sal tree. He became known as Jina, meaning "the conqueror", which is the origin of the term "Jain". Mahavira's teachings were based on the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence), which became the cornerstone of Jain ethics. He also emphasized the importance of Karma and the cycle of birth and rebirth (Samsara). Mahavira organized his followers into a fourfold order: monks (Sadhus), nuns (Sadvis), laymen (Shravakas), and laywomen (Shravikas).

Legacy

Mahavira's teachings had a profound impact on the religious and social fabric of ancient India. He is credited with reforming and revitalizing the Jain community. After his death at the age of 72, his teachings were compiled by his disciples into Jain scriptures (Agamas). Today, Mahavira is revered as one of the greatest spiritual teachers in Jainism, and his life and teachings continue to inspire millions of Jains around the world.

See Also

• Jain cosmology
• Jain festivals
• Jain philosophy
• History of Jainism