Who among the following was the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism, in ancient India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Vardhamana Mahavira
- The 24th Tirthankara Vardhaman Mahavira was born in 540 BC in Kundgram village near Vaishali. He belonged to the Gyantrika dynasty and was associated with the royal family of Magadha.
- His father Siddhartha was the head of the Gyanatrika Kshatriya dynasty and his mother Trishala was the sister of King Chetak of Vaishali.
- At the age of 30, he left his home and became an ascetic.
- He performed penance for 12 years and attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kaivalya (i.e. victory over suffering and happiness) at the age of 42.
- He gave his first sermon in Pava.
- Each Tirthankara had a symbol associated with it and Mahavira's symbol was a lion.
- To fulfill his objectives, he visited the regions of Kosal, Magadha, Mithila, Champa etc.
- 468 BC He died in Pawapuri, Bihar at the age of 72.