Answer

Yes, Lord Mahavira is revered as the 24th Tirthankara of the current Jain tradition. He was born as a human being named Vardhamana in a royal family, not “born as a Jain” in the modern sense of religious identity.

Explanation

In Jain tradition:

• Lord Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of this time cycle.
• He was born in Kundagrama in the Ikshvaku dynasty.
• His parents were King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala.
• At birth, he was not born with the label of a religion like we use today.
• Later, through deep meditation, renunciation, and liberation from karmas, he became a Tirthankara and a fully enlightened being.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches that greatness is not defined only by birth, but by आत्म-शुद्धि, right conduct, and complete victory over karma. Lord Mahavira showed the path of अहिंसा, सत्य, अपरिग्रह, and तपस्या for the upliftment of all living beings.

Takeaway

So, the correct way to say it is:

• Lord Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara.
• He was born as Vardhamana in a royal family.
• He later attained keval jnana and became Mahavira.

If you want, I can also explain the difference between “Tirthankara,” “Jain,” and “Kevali” in simple words.