Mahavira Jain was born in a royal family near which ancient city?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2: Vaishali.
Explanation:
- Lord Mahavir, the 24th and final Tirthankara of Jainism, was born in Kundagram (currently located in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar), near the ancient city of Vaishali.
- Royal Lineage: He was born into a Kshatriya royal family. His father, Siddhartha, was the King of the Jnatrika Kshatriya clan, and his mother, Trishala, was a Licchavi princess (the sister of King Chetaka of Vaishali).
- Time Period: According to most historians, he was born in 540 BCE.
- Significance of Vaishali: At that time, Vaishali was the capital of the Vajji Mahajanapada and was considered one of the world's oldest republics.
Key Facts Related to Lord Mahavir (Quick Revision):
- As you prepare for SSC, RRB, and other competitive examinations, these points are highly important:
- Childhood Name: Vardhamana.
- Renunciation of Home: At the age of 30.
- Attainment of *Kaivalya* (Enlightenment): At the age of 42, after 12 years of rigorous asceticism, on the banks of the Rijupalika River.
- Nirvana: At the age of 72, in Pavapuri (Bihar).
- Key Principles: *Satya* (Truth), *Ahimsa* (Non-violence), *Asteya* (Non-stealing), *Aparigraha* (Non-possession), and *Brahmacharya* (Celibacy)—collectively known as the *Pancha Mahavratas* (Five Great Vows).
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: Who was the first disciple of Mahavir Swami?
Answer: His son-in-law, Jamali.
Question: Who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism?
Answer: Rishabhadeva.
Question: At which place was Gautama Buddha born?
Answer: Lumbini (Nepal).