Mahavira
Part of a series on Jainism Jain Prayers Bhaktamara Stotra Micchami Dukkadam Ṇamōkāra mantra Philosophy Anekantavada Cosmology Ahimsa Karma Dharma Mokṣa Kevala Jnana Dravya Tattva Asteya Brahmacharya Aparigraha Gunasthana Saṃsāra Satya Major figures The 24 Tirthankaras Rishabha Pārśva Mahavira Acharya Ganadhara Siddhasena Divakara Haribhadra Major Sects Digambara Śvētāmbara Texts Kalpa Sūtra Agama Tattvartha Sutra Nālaṭiyār Other Parasparopagraho Jivanam Jain symbols Jain flag Timeline Topics list Schools and Branches Festivals Diwali Mahavir Jayanti Paryushana Samvatsari Jainism portal Mahavira (599 BCE–527 BCE ), also known as Vardhamana, was the twenty-fourth and last tirthankara of Jainism. Therefore, although Mahavira is widely regarded as the founder of Jainism, he is more properly regarded as a reformer of Jainism. Mahavira was born into a royal family in what is now Bihar, India. At the age of 30 he left his home in pursuit of spiritual awakening (Diksha). For the next twelve and a half years he practiced intense meditation and severe penance, after which he achieved Kevala Jnana or enlightenment. He travelled all over Bharata (which was larger than today's India) for the next thirty years to teach his philosophy which is based on ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya and aparigraha. Mahavira attained nirvana at the age of 72.