Vardhamana Mahavira is considered the 24th and last Tirthankara in Jainism.

• Tirthankara Meaning: A Tirthankara is a “victor” or a spiritual guide who helps others achieve moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
• Mahavira means “great hero.”

Other Names:

• Jitendriya (Conqueror of inner desires).
• Arihant (Worthy or one who has conquered all enemies of the soul).
• Avadhijnana: Mahavira is believed to possess superhuman insight and cognition.

Contemporary of Buddha:

• He lived during the same time as the Buddha, around the 6th century BCE.
• Born around 599 BCE.

Birth and Early Life:

• Birthplace: Kundagrama near Vaishali, capital of Videha.
• Clan and Family:
  • Born in a Kshatriya clan (warrior class).
  • His father, Siddhartha, was the chief of the Jnatjriya clan.
  • His mother, Trishala, was the sister of King Chetaka of Lichchavis.
• Family Connection to Magadha: His family was connected to the royal family of Magadha through his aunt, who was married to King Bimbisara of Magadha (Haryanka Dynasty).

Householder’s Life:

• Married Yashoda and had a daughter named Priyadarshana.
• Lived a householder’s life before renouncing worldly ties.

Renunciation:

• At the age of 30, Mahavira renounced worldly life in search of truth and became an ascetic.

• Wandering and Austerities:

• Wandered for 12 years, practicing extreme austerities, fasting, and deep meditation.

Attainment of Kevalajnana:

• At the age of 42, Mahavira attained kevalajnana (omniscience or infinite knowledge).
• Location of Enlightenment: On the banks of the Rijupalika River, outside the town of Jrimbhikagrama, in the fields of a householder named Samaga.

Death and Liberation:

• Passed away at the age of 72 in 527 BCE at Pavapuri near Patna.
• After his death, Mahavira attained the state of Siddha, a fully liberated soul.