Life of Mahavira

Summary

Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, was conceived in the womb of Brahmani Devananda, wife of Brahmana Risabhadatta, in Kundagrama (modern-day Tirhut). Devananda experienced fourteen auspicious dreams predicting the birth of a son who would excel in knowledge and wisdom. These dreams were interpreted by her husband, foretelling the child’s greatness in scripture and science. Sakra (Indra), the ruler of gods, observed Mahavira’s conception and decided to switch the embryos, transferring Mahavira to the womb of the Ksatriyani Trisala, wife of the Ksatriya Siddhartha. Trisala, upon experiencing the same fourteen dreams, was informed that her son would either be a Cakravartin or an Arhat. These dreams were celebrated as auspicious omens. Mahavira, named Vardhamana (the Increaser) at birth, grew up in comfort, and his family experienced increasing wealth and popularity. During Trisala’s pregnancy, she protected herself from harm, ensuring a healthy birth. Siddhartha, her husband, and interpreters of dreams confirmed that the child would be extraordinary. At birth, Mahavira’s existence was marked by heavenly rejoicing, and Siddhartha declared a ten-day festival in his honor. Mahavira, known as "Sramana" (Ascetic) for his detachment from love and hate, decided to renounce the world. At thirty years old, after his parents’ passing, he prepared for his spiritual journey. With divine assistance from Sakra, Mahavira underwent diksa (initiation) beneath an Asoka tree. The whole universe fell silent as Mahavira removed his royal ornaments, plucked his hair, and embraced the ascetic life. For twelve years, Mahavira practiced deep meditation, enduring pain and pleasure without attachment. In his thirteenth year, seated under a $ala tree near Grmbhikagrama, he achieved Kevalin (omniscience) and nirvana, attaining perfect knowledge of the universe and all beings. Mahavira then spent nearly thirty years spreading the teachings of the Jinas, establishing a monastic community, and teaching the doctrines of non-violence and non-attachment. At the end of his life, Mahavira attained liberation (moksha), leaving the cycle of birth and death to enter the realm of perfected souls.