Mahavira

by Jayaram V

Vardhamana was born in a Kshatriya family of Jnatrikas, that ruled a small principality in the erstwhile Magadha and present day north Bihar. According to some sources he was born in 599 BC, some 32 years before the birth of the Buddha (567 BC), while others hold that he was born some 60 years later in 539 B.C. We take the former view into consideration for the purpose of this article. 

His father's name was  Siddhartha, who was the head of a ruling clan of Jnatrikas and his mother's name was Trishala, who originally hailed from  the Lichchavis of Magadha. We have reasons to believe that Vardhamana grew up in the comforts of his princely house in his early days and under the care of his parents. He also had an elder brother named Nandivardhana, who succeeded his father as the chief. 

From the beginning Vardhamana was not inclined to lead a mundane life, as he seemed to have developed a spiritual bent of mind from an early age and refused to draw himself into the affairs of the state. At the age of 28 or 30, with the consent of his family, he left his house  in search of salvation. For about 12 years he wandered from place to place leading a life of severe austerities and spending his time mostly in remote forests and hilly regions often inhabited by dangerous tribes.

After the first year, as a mark of utmost detachment and selflessness, he decided to discard wearing clothes and remain naked for the rest of his life. Finally at the age of 40 or 42 he attained the exalted position of Jina (the conqueror) or Kevalin (the completed soul).

He spent the next thirty years of his life, spreading his message to interested seekers and organizing an Order of naked ascetics who would remain committed to his path and help preserve his teachings for posterity. He also converted some of the royal family members, especially from his mothers side to his teachings, and received patronage from some of them. He died in 527 B.C. at the ripe age of 72, at a place called Pava, which is now located near the present day Patna. It is now considered as the most sacred pilgrim center by Jains. 

Vardhamana Mahavira is one of the greatest sons of ancient India who was equal to the Buddha in stature and greatness, though lesser known in the outside world. India owes a great deal to this noble soul who influenced the attitude and thinking of Indians of subsequent generations, especially in  respect of the practice of non violence, austerities, good conduct and vegetarianism. Mahavira revived Jainism and attracted the attention of many influential people and intellectuals of his time, which contributed to the popularity of Jainism in various parts of India. His teachings are preserved in the 12 Angas which are followed by the Digambara Jains faithfully. 

Suggested Further Reading