Introduction
When we think of ancient spiritual figures who shaped humanity, names like Buddha or Jesus often take centre stage. But there’s another divine soul whose journey is equally profound—Bhagwaan Mahaveer, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. His path wasn’t about miracles or warfare—it was about deep introspection, discipline, and complete non-violence. Yet, his story remains surprisingly untold in mainstream narratives.
Why? Perhaps because his teachings ask us to look inward instead of outward. Let’s explore the inspiring, profound, and tranquil journey of this remarkable spiritual being.
Early Life of Bhagwaan Mahaveer
Birth and Family Background
Bhagwaan Mahaveer was born in 599 BCE in Kundalpur, near Vaishali in present-day Bihar, India. He was born into a royal Kshatriya family to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. It is said that Queen Trishala had 14 auspicious dreams before his birth, indicating that a divine soul was about to take birth.
Childhood and Royal Upbringing
As a prince named Vardhaman, Mahaveer lived in luxury, wealth, and comfort. He received the best education in philosophy, warfare, and administration. Yet, even from a young age, he showed signs of deep compassion and detachment from worldly pleasures.
Signs of a Spiritual Soul
Unlike other princes, Vardhaman was not interested in hunting or showing off power. The pain and injustice he witnessed stirred something profound within his heart. His heart longed for a deeper truth—a truth beyond kingdoms and riches.
The Decision to Renounce
The Call to a Higher Purpose
At the age of 30, despite having everything—royal status, wealth, respect—Vardhaman decided to renounce it all. The death of his parents accelerated his decision. He realized that everything in this world is temporary—fame, family, fortune.
Leaving Behind the Worldly Life
Vardhaman gave up his royal clothes, wealth, and even food. He embraced the life of an ascetic and began his journey to find the ultimate truth—a path that required unmatched strength and resolve.
The 12 Years of Intense Tapasya
Wandering in Silence
For 12 long years, Mahaveer roamed the forests and villages barefoot, mostly in silence. He bore heat, cold, hunger, pain, and insult, all without reacting. His only goal? Self-purification and inner awakening.
The Struggles and Self-Discipline
During this time, he followed strict vows. He accepted alms only once a day, ate minimal food, and never stayed in one place too long. His body became weak, but his soul grew stronger.
Overcoming Temptations and Sufferings
He was tortured by insects, mocked by people, and tested by nature. But Mahaveer remained calm—like a mountain in a storm. His ability to remain unshaken made him divine.
Enlightenment of Mahaveer
The Moment of Realization
At the age of 42, under a Saal tree, after 12 years of rigorous sadhana, Vardhaman attained Kevalgyan—the highest form of knowledge. From that moment, he became Bhagwaan Mahaveer.
Kevalgyan – Supreme Knowledge
With this enlightenment, he understood the entire cosmos—past, present, and future. He could see the truth behind karma, life, death, and liberation.
Teachings of Bhagwaan Mahaveer
Ahimsa – Non-violence as a Way of Life
Ahimsa wasn’t just about not killing. For Mahaveer, it meant not hurting any living being—not even by thought or word. Imagine the level of compassion that demands!
Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha
He promoted Five Great Vows:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence)
- Satya (Truthfulness)
- Asteya (Non-stealing)
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
- Aparigraha (Non-attachment)
These were not just rules but a lifestyle—a way to free the soul from karma.
Equality and Compassion Towards All Living Beings
He didn’t believe in caste or gender discrimination. To him, a soul is a soul—pure, divine, and equal. His message? Live and let live.
His Way of Preaching
How He Spread His Message
Mahaveer didn’t build armies or temples. He simply walked from village to village, spoke from the heart, and touched lives. His charisma came not from power, but purity.
Influence Without Violence or Fear
He inspired thousands of people—including kings and commoners—to follow the path of truth. His words had no anger, only wisdom.
Influence on Jainism
Establishment of the Jain Sangh
Bhagwaan Mahaveer organized his followers into a Sangh, with monks, nuns, and householders. This system still exists in Jainism today.
The Fourfold Order: Sadhu, Sadhvi, Shravak, Shravika
His teachings were preserved and spread by this spiritual order, maintaining a disciplined and non-violent community.
Impact on Indian Culture and Philosophy
Contribution to Indian Thought
He challenged Vedic rituals and animal sacrifices. He promoted internal purification over external rituals, influencing Indian spirituality deeply.
Influence on Mahatma Gandhi and Others
Mahatma Gandhi openly acknowledged being inspired by Mahaveer’s Ahimsa. His peaceful resistance was a direct application of Mahaveer’s teachings.
Liberation (Moksha) of Bhagwaan Mahaveer
The Final Journey
At the age of 72, in Pawapuri, Mahaveer attained Nirvana—freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
Nirvana at Pawapuri
The place of his liberation became a holy pilgrimage site, where a serene white marble temple now stands amidst a lotus pond.
The Legacy He Left Behind
Scriptures, Statues, and Temples
His teachings were compiled in the Agamas, the Jain holy scriptures. Grand temples and awe-inspiring statues dedicated to Mahaveer can be found throughout India and in many parts of the world.
Mahaveer Jayanti and Jain Traditions
Every year, Mahaveer Jayanti is celebrated with joy, processions, and prayers—reminding us of the light he brought into the world.
Why His Story Is Still Relevant Today
Lessons for Modern Life
In an age of chaos, consumerism, and conflict, Mahaveer’s message of simplicity, peace, and truth is more important than ever.
Peace in a Chaotic World
Picture a world where even a small dose of Ahimsa was embraced by all. Less hate. More compassion. That’s Mahaveer’s world.
Common Misconceptions About Bhagwaan Mahaveer
Jainism vs Buddhism
People often confuse Jainism with Buddhism. While both focus on non-violence and liberation, their paths and philosophies differ significantly.
Clarifying the Confusions
Mahaveer didn’t found Jainism—he revived it. Jainism is older than Mahaveer, and he was its 24th Tirthankara, not the first.
Mahaveer Jayanti: Celebrating the Birth of a Divine Soul
Mahaveer Jayanti is the most significant festival for Jains, marking the birth of Bhagwaan Mahaveer. Celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, it usually falls in March or April, depending on the lunar calendar. On this auspicious day, temples are decorated, and grand processions known as rath yatras are organised, featuring beautifully adorned idols of Mahaveer. Devotees engage in prayers, offer alms, and participate in spiritual discourses highlighting his life and teachings. Many people also observe fasts and promote acts of kindness, charity, and nonviolence. Mahaveer Jayanti goes beyond a festival—it’s a powerful reflection of the eternal principles he embodied and an invitation to lead a life rooted in compassion and inner consciousness.
Conclusion
Bhagwaan Mahaveer didn’t just walk the path of truth—he was the path. His life, though simple in appearance, was spiritually revolutionary. He proved that peace doesn’t come from power but from inner purity. His story may not always make headlines, but it surely makes hearts wiser.