According to Jainism, Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, lived during the same historical period as Gautam Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), the founder of Buddhism. Both are believed to have lived in the 6th century BCE in ancient India. Jain texts mention that Mahavir attained Kevalgyan (omniscience) before Buddha started preaching. There are also references in Jain scriptures to interactions between the followers of both traditions.

However, Jainism maintains its own distinct historical records and philosophy, and while both figures are acknowledged to have lived around the same time, their teachings and spiritual paths are considered separate.