At what age did Mahavir Jain decide to leave his home in search of spiritual truth?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2: 30.
Explanation:
- Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, decided to renounce his princely life and home at the age of 30 in search of spiritual truth and peace.
- Renunciation of Home: Following the death of his parents, he sought permission from his elder brother, Nandivardhan, and embraced the ascetic life.
- Rigorous Asceticism: After leaving home, he undertook extremely rigorous penance for the next 12 years.
- Attainment of Kaivalya: At the age of 42, he attained Kaivalya (supreme knowledge) under a Sal tree on the banks of the Rijupalika River, near Jrimbhikagrama.
Important Facts Related to Lord Mahavir (Quick Revision):
- Birth: 540 BCE (at Kundagrama, near Vaishali).
- Childhood Name: Vardhamana.
- Father and Mother: Father—Siddhartha (King of the Jnatrika clan); Mother—Trishala (a Licchavi princess).
- Pancha Mahavrata (Five Great Vows): He added the fifth great vow, Brahmacharya (celibacy), to Jainism (the other four being: Ahimsa [non-violence], Satya [truth], Asteya [non-stealing], and Aparigraha [non-possession]).
- Nirvana: 468 BCE at Pavapuri (Bihar).
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: At what age did Gautama Buddha renounce his home (Mahabhinishkramana)?
Answer: 29 years. (Confusion regarding the ages of Buddha and Mahavir often arises in examinations; please keep this in mind).
Question: On the banks of which river did Mahavir Swami attain enlightenment?
Answer: The Rijupalika River.
Question: Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism?
Answer: Rishabhadeva (Adinatha).