MAHAVIRA
Mahavira (599 - 527 BCE, though possibly 549 - 477 BCE)
is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana
who established what are today considered to be the
central tenets of Jainism. According to Jain tradition, he was the 24th and the
last Tirthankara. He is also known in texts as Vira or Viraprabhu, Sanmati,
Ativira, and Gnatputra. In the Theravada Buddhist scriptures he is referred to
as the Nirgrantha Nathaputta.
In a place called Kundagram in the ancient kingdom of Vaishali (modern day Bihar,
India), Mahavira was born to King Siddartha and Queen Trishala on the 13th day
under the rising moon of Chaitra (April 12 according to the Gregorian calendar).
While still in his mother's womb it is believed he brought wealth and prosperity
to the entire kingdom, which is why he was also known as Vardhaman. An increase
of all good things, like the abundant bloom of beautiful flowers, was noticed in
the kingdom after his conception. Queen Trishala had 14 (16 in Digambara Sect)
auspicious dreams before giving birth to Vardhaman, signs foretelling the advent
of a great soul.
Jain tradition states that after his birth, Indra bathed him in celestial milk
with rituals befitting a future Tirthankar and he was returned to his mother,
Trishala. Many Jains believe that Vardhaman was actually conceived by the
Brahmin Devananda but was transferred to the womb of Trishala by Indra
because all Tirthankars had to be born into the Kshatriya caste.
Vardhaman's birthday is celebrated as Mahavir Jayanti, the most important
religious holiday of Jains around the world. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with
prayers, decorations, processions and festivity.
Mahavira (599 - 527 BCE, though possibly 549 - 477 BCE)
is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana
who established what are today considered to be the
central tenets of Jainism. According to Jain tradition, he was the 24th and the
last Tirthankara. He is also known in texts as Vira or Viraprabhu, Sanmati,
Ativira, and Gnatputra. In the Theravada Buddhist scriptures he is referred to
as the Nirgrantha Nathaputta.
In a place called Kundagram in the ancient kingdom of Vaishali (modern day Bihar,
India), Mahavira was born to King Siddartha and Queen Trishala on the 13th day
under the rising moon of Chaitra (April 12 according to the Gregorian calendar).
While still in his mother's womb it is believed he brought wealth and prosperity
to the entire kingdom, which is why he was also known as Vardhaman. An increase
of all good things, like the abundant bloom of beautiful flowers, was noticed in
the kingdom after his conception. Queen Trishala had 14 (16 in Digambara Sect)
auspicious dreams before giving birth to Vardhaman, signs foretelling the advent
of a great soul.
Jain tradition states that after his birth, Indra bathed him in celestial milk
with rituals befitting a future Tirthankar and he was returned to his mother,
Trishala. Many Jains believe that Vardhaman was actually conceived by the
Brahmin Devananda but was transferred to the womb of Trishala by Indra
because all Tirthankars had to be born into the Kshatriya caste.
Vardhaman's birthday is celebrated as Mahavir Jayanti, the most important
religious holiday of Jains around the world. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with
prayers, decorations, processions and festivity.