Mahavira is one of the most important figures in ancient Indian spirituality, a reformer and the principal teacher of Jainism. His life and teachings became the foundation of a religion that promotes absolute nonviolence, self-discipline and inner purity. In modern India, Mahavira is revered as a symbol of moral excellence and spiritual liberation. Although he lived over two and a half thousand years ago, his ideas remain relevant and inspiring. Below is a collection of interesting and educational facts about Mahavira that you may not have known.
- Mahavira was born around 599 BCE in the kingdom of Vaishali, located in what is now the Indian state of Bihar. He came from the warrior caste known as Kshatriyas, but from an early age he showed a tendency toward asceticism and spiritual inquiry. His birth name was Vardhamana, meaning prospering or growing. He later became known as Mahavira, which means Great Hero.
- At the age of 30, Mahavira renounced his family, wealth and social status to begin a life of asceticism. For 12 years he lived a strict life in forests and remote places, rejecting all comforts. During this time he remained silent, enduring hunger, cold and abuse from others with patience. This period laid the foundation for his spiritual enlightenment.
- Mahavira attained the state of kevala, or omniscience, after years of meditation and self-denial. This event is believed to have occurred in a place now known as Jrimbhikagrama. He then began preaching his teachings, walking on foot through the Ganges valley. His sermons attracted merchants, rulers and common people alike.
- The core of Mahavira’s teachings is built upon five main vows: ahimsa (nonviolence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity) and aparigraha (non-possession). These principles are mandatory for monks and recommended for laypeople as a model for ethical living. Ahimsa in Jainism includes nonviolence toward all living beings, not just humans. For this reason, Jains follow a strict vegetarian diet and some wear face masks to avoid harming tiny airborne life forms.
- Mahavira is not considered the founder of Jainism but is revered as the 24th Tirthankara — an enlightened teacher who appears in every cosmic cycle. However, he completed the formulation of Jain doctrine and organized the monastic community. His efforts helped establish Jainism as a distinct religious system separate from the Vedic tradition. His teachings were preserved orally before eventually being written down.
- One of Mahavira’s original ideas was the concept of anekantavada — the recognition of multiple perspectives and the relativity of truth. According to this principle, no single view holds absolute truth, and only by combining different viewpoints can reality be understood more fully. This idea became the foundation of tolerance and pluralism in Indian philosophy. In today’s world, it remains highly relevant for intercultural dialogue.
- Mahavira left no written works, but his disciples preserved thousands of aphorisms and teachings that became the basis of Jain literature. The most important source is the Agamas — texts containing sermons, dialogues and behavioral guidelines. These were passed down orally for centuries before being written on palm leaves. They are still studied in Jain monasteries and educational institutions today.
- Mahavira died at the age of around 72 in the city of Pavapuri, which remains a major pilgrimage site for millions of Jains. His death is seen not as an end but as attainment of moksha — complete liberation from the cycle of rebirth. A temple called Jal Mandir, surrounded by water, was built at the site of his cremation. It is one of the most sacred places in Jainism.
- Mahavira’s birth is celebrated as the most important Jain religious festival, known as Mahavir Jayanti. On this day, processions are held, sacred texts are read, charity events are organized and meditation is practiced. The holiday falls on the spring full moon and is observed not only in India but also in countries with large Indian diasporas. It serves as a reminder of the value of ethical living and spiritual discipline.
- Mahavira’s teachings had a profound impact on ethical thought in India and beyond. His principle of ahimsa later inspired Mahatma Gandhi, who regarded Mahavira as a spiritual guide. Nonviolence became a central philosophy in India’s national independence movement in the 20th century. Thus, Mahavira’s influence extends far beyond the religious sphere.
- Jainism, shaped by Mahavira’s teachings, is a religion that does not include worship of a creator god. Its philosophy centers on the self-sufficiency of the soul, which can achieve liberation through right knowledge, faith and conduct. This approach emphasizes individual responsibility for spiritual development. As a result, Jains are regarded as one of the most ethically disciplined communities in India.
- Mahavira preached not only to monks but also to laypeople, promoting the idea of virtuous living within everyday life. He encouraged honesty, moderation and compassion, even for those who could not renounce worldly responsibilities. His teachings were based on kindness, patience and inner harmony. This humanistic approach helped Jainism maintain its peaceful reputation and longevity over the centuries.
These amazing facts about Mahavira show how deeply one person can influence the spiritual and moral life of entire societies. His biography has become an inspiration for millions seeking inner peace and ethical excellence. Mahavira is not just a religious figure but a symbol of wisdom, nonviolent living and spiritual independence. His legacy continues to inspire people to practice virtue, pursue self-knowledge and show respect for all forms of life.
