तीर्थकर एवं मंगलमय-भगवान महावीर
By Late Pandit Nathuram Dongariya Jain
Summary
The article presents a concise account of the Jain *Tirthankara* tradition and the life, teachings, and historical significance of Bhagwan Mahavira, based on an unpublished 1971 essay by Nathuram Dogriya Jain. It explains the *Tirthankara* ideal as a spiritual guide who attains liberation and leads beings toward freedom from worldly suffering, tracing the lineage from the first *Tirthankara*, Ṛṣabhadeva, through figures such as Neminatha and Parshvanatha to Mahavira. Ṛṣabhadeva is described as introducing social skills, livelihood practices, governance, and ascetic discipline, while later *Tirthankaras* sustained the religious path through teaching and renunciation. Against a background of ritual violence, sectarian divisions, sacrificial practices, and moral decline, Mahavira is portrayed as a fearless prince (*Vardhamana*) who renounced royal life at around thirty, embraced celibacy and severe asceticism, and practiced twelve years of austerity marked by equanimity, restraint, and endurance. After attaining *kevala-jñāna* near the Ṛjukulā River, he preached a universal ethical path grounded in non-violence, truth, self-restraint, non-possession, compassion, equality, and rational understanding. The article emphasizes *anekāntavāda*, *syādvāda*, self-effort, and the spiritual potential of every being to attain liberation through right faith, knowledge, and conduct. It further recounts Mahavira’s travels, disciples, influence on rulers and lay communities, the spread of ethical discipline such as restraint and *aparigraha*, and his *nirvāṇa* at Pāvāpuri, linked to the continued observance of Diwali. The final pages include an illustrative story of the wealthy follower Ānanda, whose partial practice of non-possession is presented as a model of social welfare and ethical moderation. [The editor notes that the original essay was written in 1971 and later published as a commemorative tribute during the author’s birth centenary.]
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The article concludes that Bhagwan Mahavira’s significance lies not only in his role as the twenty-fourth *Tirthankara* but in his presentation of an ethical and spiritual path grounded in self-restraint, non-violence, truth, non-possession, and inner discipline. By situating Mahavira within the long *Tirthankara* tradition and portraying his renunciation, austerity, teachings, and public influence, the text argues that genuine liberation and social harmony depend upon self-effort, moral conduct, rational understanding, and compassion toward all living beings. The concluding emphasis on *aparigraha* further suggests that individual restraint and ethical responsibility remain essential for collective welfare and enduring peace.