Here is a very simple way to explain this to children (4–9 years):

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Bhagawän Mahävir did not become a Tirthankar in just one life.

He had many, many lives before he became Bhagawän Mahävir that we know.

Out of all those lives, some are very special. In those lives, his soul became more and more pure, kind, and wise. These special lives are:

• Nayasär – This is counted as his first important birth.

In this life, he understood the truth of the soul and got right faith (Samyaktva). From here, his journey to become a Tirthankar became very strong.

• Marichi – This is his 3rd important birth.

In this life, he was very intelligent, but he sometimes made mistakes and had pride. This teaches us that even great souls learn from their mistakes.

• Triprushtha Väsudev – This is his 16th important birth.

He was a very powerful king. He had a lot of strength and success, but this shows that worldly power is not enough; the soul must become pure.

• Vishvabhuti – This is his 18th important birth.

Here, he had great knowledge and skills. His soul was becoming more and more ready for final purity.

• Priyamitra Chakravarti – This is his 23rd important birth.

He was a chakravarti, a king who ruled many lands. Even with so much wealth and power, the soul still has to move beyond all attachment.

• Nandan Muni – This is his 25th important birth.

Here, he was a muni (monk). His life was full of spiritual practice, peace, and self-control. His soul became very pure.

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So we can say:

• Bhagawän Mahävir’s soul took many births.
• In some important lives, like Nayasär, Marichi, Triprushtha Väsudev, Vishvabhuti, Priyamitra Chakravarti, and Nandan Muni,

his soul went step by step towards becoming completely pure.

• Finally, in his last birth as Mahävir Swami, he became a Tirthankar and showed the path of ahimsa (non‑violence), truth, and self-control to the whole world.

You can tell children:

“Just like Mahävir Bhagawän’s soul kept improving in every life by being kinder, more truthful, and more careful not to hurt anyone, we should also try every day to become a little better and a little kinder.”