Shree Vardhaman Mahavir - The Twenty-fourth and Last Tirthankara

Shree Mahavir, also known as Vardhaman Mahavir, is the 24th and last Tirthankara of the current Avasarpini Kaal in Jainism. He revitalized Jain Dharma and provided a clear path toward spiritual liberation (Moksha) through his exemplary life, ascetic practices, and teachings.

Birth and Family

• Parents: King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala of Kundagrama, near Vaishali (modern-day Bihar)
  

• Birth Year: 599 BCE
  

• Birth Signs: Queen Trishala experienced 14 auspicious dreams before his birth, marking the arrival of a divine soul
  

• Early Life: Mahavir exhibited wisdom, compassion, and detachment from worldly pleasures even in royal luxury
  

• Symbol (Lanchan): Lion (commonly) – representing courage and spiritual strength
  

Renunciation and Ascetic Life

• Renunciation: At age 30, he left his royal life to pursue spiritual awakening
  

• Asceticism: Undertook 12–13 years of severe penance, fasting, meditation, and self-discipline
  

• Challenges: Faced physical hardships, ridicule, and harsh conditions but remained unwavering in his pursuit of truth
  

Kevala Jnana (Omniscience)

• Attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) at age 42 under a Sala tree near the Rijupalika River
  

• Achieved perfect knowledge of past, present, and future, transcending all worldly illusions

Teachings and Philosophy

Mahavir’s teachings emphasize a holistic approach to ethics, spirituality, and liberation:

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Extends beyond actions to thoughts and emotions; central to spiritual progress
   

2. Satya (Truthfulness): Speak and act in harmony with reality, free from ego and illusion
   

3. Asteya (Non-stealing): Respect all forms of property, time, energy, and dignity
   

4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Control of Senses): Transcend desires to elevate spiritual awareness
   

5. Aparigraha (Non-possession): Detachment from material and emotional attachments for soul liberation
   

6. Anekantavada (Relativity of Truth): Encouraged understanding multiple perspectives to achieve wisdom and equanimity
   
7. Social Reforms: Opposed animal sacrifice, misleading rituals, and caste discrimination; promoted equality for women in religious life.

Lifespan and Nirvana

• Lifespan: 72 years
  

• Teaching Period: 30 years of active preaching across India
  

• Nirvana (Liberation): Attained at Pavapuri, Bihar, in 527 BCE
  

• His Nirvana day is commemorated with Diwali by Jains, celebrating his liberation and spiritual legacy
  

Previous Births and Spiritual Lineage

• In his immediate past life, Mahavir was Prince Marichi, grandson of Lord Rishabhanatha (1st Tirthankara)
  

• Reborn as Mahavir due to accumulated virtue and karma, destined to achieve Kevala Jnana
  

Legacy and Influence

• Jain Worship: Revered as the last Tirthankara; teachings form the foundation of Jain Dharma
  

• Festivals: Mahavir Jayanti celebrates his birth annually
  

• Beyond Jainism: His principles of non-violence, truth, and ethical living have influenced Hinduism, Buddhism, and global spiritual seekers
  

• Philosophical Impact: Emphasized detachment, asceticism, ethical conduct, and spiritual equality
  

Questions & Answers

Q1. What are Mahavir’s core teachings?
👉 Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha, and Anekantavada.

Q2. At what age did Mahavir attain Kevala Jnana?
👉 At age 42, after 12–13 years of intense penance and meditation.

Q3. Where did Mahavir attain Nirvana?
👉 At Pavapuri, Bihar, in 527 BCE.