Mahavira

Mahavira (599 BC-527 BC), also known as 'Vardhaman', was 24th Jain Tirthankara (Teaching God). He was born in 599 BC in Bihar state of India. He revived the Jain Dharma with five moral teachings under broad headings of Non-violence(Ahimsa), Truthfulness (Satya), Non-stealing (Asteya), Control of senses including mind (Brahmacharya), and Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha). Mahavira preached that ahimsa (non-injury) is the supreme virtue.^[1] He is not the founder of Jain religion. He was preceded by last 23 Thirthankaras.Gradually,janism spread to Orissa, Rajasthan, Gujarat, tamil nadu and karnataka.

Rock cut sculpture depicting Mahavira at Samanar Hills, Keezhakuyilkudi, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Images

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  Four sided sculpture depicting Mahavira (found during excavation at Kankali Tila, Mathura)
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  Sculpture depicting Tirthankara Rishabhanatha (left) and Mahavira (right), British Museum
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  13 ft. 6 inches high single stone statue of Lord Mahavira at Ahinsa Sthal, New Delhi

References

1. Jaina, Hīrālāla; Jaina, Dharmacandra (2002-01-01). Jaina Tradition in Indian Thought. p. 13. ISBN 9788185616841.