Mahavira was born around 2500 years ago in Kundagramam Vaishali (present day Bihar). A spiritual and religious figure, Mahavira was the last Tirthankara of Jainism and is revered by Jains all around the globe.

So on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, here are some interesting facts about Jainism’s principal entity.

1. Mahavira was Tirthankara before he was born

Mahavira was born to Queen Trishala and King Siddharth. Towards the final stages of her pregnancy, the Queen had a beautiful dream one night. When the astrologers were called upon to decipher its meaning, they said that the unborn Prince would grow up to become either a Chakravartin (Emperor) or a Tirthankara, which roughly translated means ‘a spiritual guide’. Lo and behold, Mahavira became the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism.

2. Mahavira’s birth was celebrated by Indra

The place where Mahavira was born is called Ahalya Bhumi. As per Jain sources, Indra, the King of devas, himself celebrated his birth. Indra took the Prince to Mount Sumeru on his white elephant called Airawat and performed his abhishek (coronation).

3. He left his family, kingdom at the age of 30

King Siddharth and Queen Trishala passed away when Mahavira was 28. Already disillusioned by his royal life, Mahavira wanted to leave the palace but was convinced to stay for two more years by his older brother Nandivardhana. Two years later, he left for an ascetic life in search of spiritual awakening.

4. Mahavira’s meditation lasted for 12 years

After relinquishing his royal duties, Mahavira entered a state of meditation that lasted for 12 years. The former prince began his spiritual rumination under a Shal Tree near River Rijupalika near Jrimbhikagrama. Twelve years later, he had achieved Kevala Jnana or omniscience.

5. Mahavira lived until the age of 72

Mahavira spent his life advocating non-violence, spirituality and the abandonment of materialism. From a Prince to a wandering ascetic, Mahavira rose to become of the most revered spiritual heads in the world. He lived until the age of 72 and breathed his last at Pawapuri, Magadha (Bihar) on the day of Krishna Amavasya.

PNN