In Jainism, especially according to the Digambar tradition, Bhagwan Mahavir remained naked for a very deep spiritual reason, not for any worldly or social reason.

Here is the simple explanation:

1. Total non‑possession (Aparigraha)

- Clothes are also a possession. - When Mahavir took great renunciation (mahā-vairāgya), he gradually gave up everything – house, family, ornaments, and finally even clothing. - Remaining naked shows: “I do not own even a piece of cloth. I am completely free from ‘mine-ness’ (mamta).”

1. Symbol of complete detachment

- For a Digambar muni, nudity is a symbol of perfect detachment from body, shame, comfort, heat, cold, praise, and insult. - The body is just a temporary instrument; by being naked, Mahavir showed that he is beyond body-consciousness and social norms.

1. Digambar meaning itself

- “Dig‑ambar” = Dig (directions / space) + ambar (clothing) - Meaning: “clothed with the directions (sky‑clad)” – only the directions are his covering, not any cloth. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Difference in traditions

- Digambar Jains strongly emphasize that Mahavir practised full nudity after renunciation and that this is the highest form of asceticism. ( jainknowledge.com) - Shwetambar Jains also accept his complete detachment, but their monks and nuns wear simple white clothes. They focus more on inner non‑attachment than on outer nudity. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Important point

- Mahavir did not remain naked for show, for argument against society, or for disrespect of modesty. - He remained naked as the final step of renouncing all possessions, showing the ideal of a vitarag – one who is absolutely free from attachment and hatred.

You can read a bit more on this topic here: