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Around 2600 years ago, the religious landscape in India had taken a dark and distorted shape. The original social classification system, consisting of four classes, had deteriorated, leading to a hierarchy where Brahmins considered themselves superior and looked down upon people of other castes. The fate of the Shudras, the fourth category, was particularly terrible, as they were condemned to a life of servitude to the other castes, forced to perform the most degrading tasks, and denied any opportunity for improvement.
Furthermore, the significance of sacrifices as symbols of renunciation had been lost, replaced by violent and frequent animal sacrifices. People believed that by offering these sacrifices, they could gain the favor of the gods. It was within this social and religious environment that Mahavir, a prominent figure in Indian history, was born during the 6th century B.C.
Mahavir's birthplace was Kshatriyakund, part of the renowned Vaishali republic in present-day Bihar, India. His father, Siddhärth, was the chief of Kshatriyakund, and his uncle, Suparshwa, played a significant role in his life. Mahavir's mother, Trishalä, was the sister of Chetak, the chief of Vaishali. Mahavir had an elder brother named Nandivardhan and a sister named Sudarshanä.
From an early age, Mahavir displayed exceptional qualities. He was remarkably intelligent, fearless, affectionate, and compassionate. At school, he hardly needed any instructions, as his understanding was naturally sharp. There are stories from his childhood that illustrate his bravery and fearlessness. Once, while playing with his friends, a large snake appeared, causing his companions to flee in fear. However, Mahavir remained fearless, catching the snake by its tail and throwing it away. On another occasion, a giant-like being attempted to frighten him, but Mahavir faced him effectively with his fists.
As he reached maturity, Mahavir married a girl named Yashodä, and they had a daughter named Priyadarshanä. However, Mahavir began to realize that worldly happiness and pleasure were fleeting and built upon the suffering and unhappiness of others. This realization led him to plan renouncing his worldly life in search of true and lasting happiness. However, he postponed this decision out of concern for his parents' sadness. It was only after their passing, when Mahavir was 28, that he prepared to renounce, but at the request of his brother, he delayed for two more years.
Finally, at the age of 30, Mahavir renounced his worldly life. For over 12 years, he embraced severe austerities, fasting for most of the time, and enduring hardships as he wandered from place to place on foot. His objective was to find liberation from unhappiness through meditation. At the age of 42, after years of relentless pursuit, Mahavir attained omniscience, becoming one who knows everything. For the next 30 years, he dedicated himself to teaching people about the path to real and enduring happiness.
During his teachings, Mahavir emphasized non-violence, self-restraint, equanimity, and tolerance for differing viewpoints. He established a new religious order known as Tirth, and as the 24th Tirthankar of the current time cycle, he made a significant impact. His teachings have continued to resonate, forming the foundation of Jainism.
Mahavir's mortal journey came to an end at the age of 72, a significant event known as Nirvana. It occurred on the last day of the Indian calendar and has since been celebrated as Diwali or Deepawali, the festival of lights. The path Mahavir taught has endured, inspiring countless individuals to follow the principles of Jainism and strive for a life filled with non-violence, restraint, equanimity, and tolerance for all.
