MAHAVIR SWAMI(599 – 467BC)

The 24th and the last Tirthankar (holy teacher) of the Jain community, Mahavir Swami was born as Vardhman, son of a prince in Bihar.

At age 30 he denounced every thing, even clothes, as he considered nudity to be an essential requirement for true renunciation, and allowed insects to infest his body. Killing was against his belief. Spending thirteen years in meditation, he achieved mental isolation from worldly things (Nirvana) and was recognised as a Tirthankar, a great spiritual leader.

He became known as Mahavir. As a Jain reformer, he is credited with the concept of non ownership and confession amongst Jains. In the Hindu religion, Jainism is considered a branch. Jainism denounces the teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads and fought for many centuries against Hindus. However in this modern day with the spirit of acceptance, the Hindus have again brought them into the community and walk hand in hand with each other.