Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
Mahavira was the founder and the last Tirthankara of Jainism. He was born in 599 BC in Kundalpur, a village in the Vaishali district of Bihar, India. Mahavira was born to a royal family and he renounced the world at an early age to become a monk. He preached for 30 years and achieved enlightenment on the night of Diwali. Mahavira’s teachings have inspired millions of people across the world and his legacy continues to live on to date!
Birth Of Mahavira
In Bihar, India, Mahavira was hailed as a hero. His parents were Kshatriyas, and he was raised into a wealthy and privileged family. Mahavira’s birth name was Vardhamana, which means “prosperous or growing”. He was also sometimes called Nigantha Nataputta, which means “leader of those who are free from bonds”.
Mahavira’s father was Siddhartha, a local chieftain, and his mother was Trishala, a princess from the Lichchhavi clan. Mahavira had an older sister, Visakha, and a younger brother, Nanda.
When Mahavira was about thirty years old, he renounced his comfortable life as a prince and became an ascetic. He left his home, family, and possessions behind to live an ascetic life. For the next twelve years, he wandered as a beggar and a mendicant, living a life of severe self-denial.
During this time, Mahavira practised intense meditation and underwent severe austerities. He also fasted frequently and slept on the ground. He wore simple clothes and went barefoot. Mahavira’s asceticism was so extreme that it is said that he sometimes stood on one leg for hours at a time.
At the age of 42, Mahavira achieved enlightenment while meditating under a tree. After that, he spent the next thirty years teaching his followers the principles of Jainism.
Life of Mahavira
Mahavira was born in the year 540 BCE in a royal family of Videha, present-day Bihar. His parents were Siddhartha and Trishala. He was named Vardhamana, which means ‘one who grows’. At the age of 30, he left his home in search of truth. For the next 12 years, he practised severe austerities and became an ascetic. He attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) at the age of 42.
He spent the next 30 years of his life teaching people the principles of Jainism. He was opposed to violence and advocated non-violence (ahimsa) towards all living beings. He preached that the soul is pure and infinite and that it can attain liberation through right faith, knowledge and conduct.
He attained moksha (liberation) at the age of 72. After his death, Jainism flourished under the leadership of his disciples and continues to be one of the major religions of India.
Conclusion
The story of Mahavira should be remembered by everyone. Not only was he a great teacher and philosopher, but he also lived a life full of compassion and kindness. For students who are studying Buddhism or Jainism, it is important to learn about the founder of these religions to better understand their teachings. Mahavira’s life provides us with many lessons that can help us live happier lives.
