- Profession: Tirthankara (Jain spiritual teacher)
- Lived: 6th century BC
- Nationality: Indian
- Known for: Jain spiritual teacher and reviver of Jainism
- Fun Fact: Mahavira is believed to have been a contemporary of the Buddha.
- Fun Fact: Mahavira was born during the dynasty in which the Hindu epic the Ramayana was said to occur.
Mahavira, also called Vardhamana was the 24th tirthankara who revived Jainism. A tirthankara is a savior and spiritual teacher of the dharma in Jainism. The term literally translates to \'ford maker.\' They provide bridges for others to follow to liberation. Mahavira abandoned his place as a royal kshatriya and became an ascetic. After 12 years of intense meditation and austerities, he achieved Kevala Jnana or omniscience. He then preached for 30 years before his death. He taught that the observance of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity and non-attachment were necessary for spiritual liberation.
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