Mahavir, also known as Lord Mahavira, is the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism in the current time cycle. He was born as Vardhamana in 599 BCE in Kundagrama near Vaishali (present-day Bihar, India) to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. Mahavir renounced his princely life at the age of 30 to seek spiritual awakening. After 12 years of intense meditation and penance, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience).

Mahavir preached the core Jain principles of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (celibacy or chastity), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness). His teachings form the foundation of Jain philosophy and ethics. He organized the Jain Sangha (community) and spread the message of liberation (moksha) through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. Mahavir attained liberation (nirvana) at the age of 72 in Pavapuri, Bihar.