Mahavira facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Vardhaman Keezhakuyilkudi
Rock cut sculpture depicting Mahavira at Samanar Hills, Keezhakuyilkudi, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

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. He is not the founder of Jain religion. He was preceded by 23 Thirthankaras. However, he was the last Tirthankara in the current time cycle.

Images for kids

  • Mahaveer

    Four sided sculpture depicting Mahavira (found during excavation at Kankali Tila, Mathura)

  • Ahinsa Sthal

    13 ft. 6 inch high single stone statue of Lord Mahavira at Ahinsa Sthal, New Delhi

Images for kids

  • Kalpasutra Mahavira Nirvana

    Folio from Kalpa Sūtra, 15th century

  • Detail of a leaf with the birth of mahavira

    The Birth of Mahavira, from the Kalpa Sutra, c.1375–1400

  • Mahavira Enlightenment

    Attainment of omniscience (kevalajñāna) by Mahavira

  • Pawapuri - 001 Temple marking Mahavira's Passing (9243092471)

    Jal Mandir marking Mahavira's nirvana at Pawapuri

  • Adoration of the Jaina Tirthankara, Mahavira (6124596033)

    Mahavira adoration in a Manuscript, ca. 1825 CE

  • Mahavira Pratimaji

    The highest known image of Lord Mahavira (in seated position)

  • Mahavira Seattle 01

    Temple relief of Mahavira, Seattle Asian Art Museum, 14th century

  • Thirakoil-mahaaveerar

    Relief depicting Mahavira (Thirakoil, Tamil Nadu)

  • Ellora Cave 32 si0339

    Mahavira Statue in Cave 32 of Ellora Caves

  • Dharmachakra, lord mahaviras temple

    Shri Dharmachakra Prabhav Tirth, Gajpanth

  • Jain temple aihole

    Meguti Jain Temple

  • Jain temple at Lakkundi

    Lakkundi Jain Temple

  • Mahavirji Temple

    Shri Mahavirji

  • Osian 17-70

    Osian Jain temple

  • Dallina Vardamana Mahaveera Jain temple

    Sankighatta, Karnataka

  • Chittorgarh fort 37

    Jain temple at Kirti Stambha inside Chittorgarh Fort

  • Pawapuri - 013 Jaina Temple (9245758028)

    Gaon mandir, Pawapuri

  • Jain Temple, Daman (2012)

    Daman Jain Temple


All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Mahavira Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.