Vardhamāna

Vardhamana, also known as Mahavira, was the last of the 24 Tirthankaras, or saviors, who promulgated Jainism. He lived around the 6th century BCE, contemporary with the Buddha. Mahavira was born into a warrior caste and, at age 30, renounced his worldly life to become an ascetic monk.12

He practiced extreme austerity for 12 years, advocating for nonviolence (ahimsa) in all circumstances and the acceptance of five great vows of renunciation. These vows include abstaining from killing, lying, greed, and sexual pleasure, and renouncing all attachments. Mahavira systematized earlier Jain doctrines and established rules for Jain monks, nuns, and laity, profoundly influencing Indian culture through the practice of nonviolence.12