Mahavir Bhagwan, also known as Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, was the 24th Tirthankar of Jain Dharma.

Simple introduction

He was born in Kundagrama near Vaishali in ancient India. His father was King Siddhartha and his mother was Queen Trishala. He was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty.

Why he is important

Mahavir Bhagwan gave the highest teaching of Jain Dharma:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Satya — truth
• Asteya — non-stealing
• Brahmacharya — celibacy / purity
• Aparigraha — non-possession

These are the five great vows followed in Jain tradition.

His life

• He lived as a prince in his early life.
• At the age of 30, he renounced worldly life.
• He practiced severe penance and meditation for many years.
• After attaining Kevalajnana (absolute knowledge), he became a fully enlightened Tirthankar.
• He taught the path to liberation through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

His message

Mahavir Bhagwan taught:

• Do not harm any living being.
• Control anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
• Live with compassion, self-discipline, and purity.
• The soul can become liberated through right effort and right conduct.

His nirvana

Mahavir Bhagwan attained moksha at Pavapuri. His nirvana is deeply revered by Jains.

In Jain life

Jains remember Mahavir Bhagwan as the great teacher of:

• peace
• non-violence
• self-control
• spiritual liberation

If you want, I can also tell you about:

• his birth story
• his 5 major dreams
• his teachings in simple Gujarati/Hindi style
• a short stavan or prayer about Mahavir Bhagwan