Mahavira

Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was a spiritual reformer and the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism. He is regarded as the principal founder of the Jain religious tradition in its present form. Living in the sixth century BCE, Mahavira’s teachings emphasised non-violence, truth, asceticism, and spiritual liberation. His life and doctrines shaped one of India’s oldest philosophical and ethical systems, influencing generations of thinkers and reformers.

Early Life and Background

Mahavira was born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama, near Vaishali, in present-day Bihar, India. He was born into the Kshatriya (warrior) clan of the Nayas, and his father, Siddhartha, was the head of the Jnatrika clan, while his mother, Trishala, was the sister of King Chetaka of Vaishali. According to Jain tradition, Mahavira was born into luxury and comfort but renounced worldly life in search of spiritual truth.
His birth is surrounded by numerous legends and auspicious signs, symbolising his future greatness. The name Vardhamana, meaning “one who grows or prospers,” was given because prosperity was said to have increased in his kingdom at the time of his birth.
From an early age, Mahavira displayed deep compassion, intellect, and detachment from material pleasures. Though raised amid wealth, he showed little interest in royal comforts and was drawn instead towards meditation and self-discipline.

Renunciation and Spiritual Quest

At the age of 30, Mahavira renounced his princely life to pursue spiritual enlightenment. He removed his ornaments, gave up all possessions, and adopted a life of extreme asceticism. Abandoning his home and family, he became a wandering monk, dedicating himself to meditation, fasting, and the quest for ultimate truth.
For twelve years, Mahavira practised rigorous austerities and deep meditation under the most challenging conditions. During this period, he endured physical hardships, insults, and indifference from society, yet remained steadfast in his commitment to non-violence (ahimsa) and truth (satya).
At the age of 42, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience or perfect knowledge) under a sal tree near River Rijupalika, in the village of Jrimbhikagrama. This event marked his spiritual awakening and his emergence as a Tirthankara — a teacher who shows others the path across the cycle of birth and death (samsara) towards liberation (moksha).

Teachings and Philosophy

Mahavira’s philosophy centred on self-purification, ethical living, and spiritual freedom through non-violence and renunciation. He preached that salvation could only be attained through personal effort and moral discipline, not through rituals or divine intervention. His teachings were based on five great vows (Mahavratas) that guided both monks and lay followers:

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Abstaining from injury in thought, word, or deed to all living beings.
2. Satya (Truth): Speaking only what is true and beneficial.
3. Asteya (Non-stealing): Refraining from taking anything not willingly given.
4. Brahmacharya (Chastity): Practising celibacy and control over desires.
5. Aparigraha (Non-possession): Renouncing attachment to material goods and relationships.

He emphasised that every living being possesses a soul (jiva) capable of attaining liberation through the right conduct, right faith, and right knowledge — the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya) of Jainism.

Jain Doctrine and Ethical System

Mahavira’s teachings elaborated upon earlier Jain doctrines, organising them into a coherent and disciplined system. He rejected the authority of the Vedas and the rigid caste hierarchy of Brahmanical society, advocating instead for equality and compassion towards all living beings.
He taught the concept of Anekantavada (the doctrine of manifold viewpoints), which asserts that reality can be perceived in multiple ways and no single perspective represents the absolute truth. This principle promotes intellectual humility and tolerance for differing opinions.
Another key doctrine is Syadvada, or the theory of conditional predication, which explains that statements about reality are true only under specific conditions and viewpoints. This philosophical pluralism became a hallmark of Jain thought.

Disciples and Religious Community

After attaining enlightenment, Mahavira spent the remaining 30 years of his life travelling across northern India, spreading his message of compassion and spiritual discipline. He preached in regions such as Magadha, Mithila, and Kosala, attracting followers from all social classes.
Mahavira organised his followers into a fourfold community known as the Chaturvidha Sangha, consisting of:

• Sadhus (monks)
• Sadhvis (nuns)
• Shravakas (male lay followers)
• Shravikas (female lay followers)

This community structure remains central to Jainism today, preserving the tradition of spiritual and moral guidance.
Among his principal disciples were Indrabhuti Gautama and Sudharman, who played significant roles in preserving and transmitting his teachings. His sermons, later compiled into the Agamas (Jain canonical texts), form the foundation of Jain scripture and philosophy.

Death and Attainment of Nirvana

Mahavira spent his final years in the region of Pavapuri (in present-day Bihar). At the age of 72, in 527 BCE, he attained Nirvana (liberation) after fasting and deep meditation, freeing his soul from the cycle of birth and death. His passing is commemorated annually by Jains as Mahavira Nirvana Kalyanak or Diwali, symbolising the attainment of eternal bliss.