Mahavir Swami (Bhagwan Mahavir) is the 24th Tirthankar of the present time-cycle (avasarpini) in Jainism. His birth name was Vardhaman. He showed supreme compassion, self‑discipline, and non‑attachment, and is called “Mahavir” (great hero) for his fearlessness and victory over inner passions.

Essential life outline

• Birth: In Kundagrama near Vaishali (present Bihar). Shvetambar tradition: 599 BCE; Digambar tradition: often placed around 540 BCE.
• Renunciation: At age 30, he became a monk, leaving all possessions.
• Keval-jnan (omniscience): Attained at about 42 after 12 years of intense austerities and meditation.
• Preaching: For ~30 years he taught the path of liberation and organized the fourfold Sangh (monks, nuns, shravaks, shravikas).
• Nirvana: At Pawapuri on Kartik Amavasya (Diwali). Shvetambar date: 527 BCE; Digambar tradition places it later.

Core teachings (kevali-vachan essence)

• Five great vows: Ahimsa (non‑violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non‑stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), Aparigraha (non‑possession).
• Three jewels: Samyak Darshan (right faith), Samyak Jnan (right knowledge), Samyak Charitra (right conduct).
• Anekantavada and full equanimity toward all living beings.
• Emblem associated with Mahavir: lion.

Notes on Shvetambar–Digambar differences

• Dates: Shvetambar 599–527 BCE; Digambar generally 540–468 BCE (approximate).
• Household life: Shvetambar—married Yashoda; had a daughter Priyadarshana. Digambar—holds he observed lifelong celibacy and was not a householder.

For a simple overview and related reading:

• Story and teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir
• Brief life of Mahavir Swami
• Facts on Mahavir Swami (24th Tirthankar)