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When and where was Mahavira born?
Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was born in 599 BCE in the ancient kingdom of Videha, which is now part of modern-day Bihar, India. He was born into a royal family, as the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala.
According to Jain tradition, Mahavira's birth was predicted by a sage named Parshva, who was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. It is said that during Queen Trishala's pregnancy, she had a series of auspicious dreams, which were interpreted by astrologers to mean that she would give birth to a great spiritual leader.
Mahavira's birth is also associated with many miraculous events, such as the appearance of a bright light and the singing of celestial beings. It is believed that these events were a sign of the arrival of a great soul on earth.
As a child, Mahavira showed signs of being a compassionate and spiritual being. He was deeply empathetic towards all living beings and was known for his non-violent nature. He was also very introspective and often questioned the purpose of life and the existence of suffering.
At the age of 30, Mahavira renounced his royal life and became an ascetic, seeking enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. He spent the next 12 years practicing intense meditation and self-discipline, before attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and becoming a Tirthankara.
Mahavira spent the rest of his life preaching the principles of Jainism, which emphasize non-violence, compassion, and self-control. He traveled throughout ancient India, spreading his teachings and establishing a large following of disciples.
Today, Mahavira is revered as the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism and is considered to be one of the most influential spiritual leaders in Indian history. His teachings continue to inspire millions of Jains around the world to lead a life of non-violence, simplicity, and spiritual growth.
In conclusion, Mahavira was born in 599 BCE in the kingdom of Videha, which is now part of modern-day Bihar, India. His birth was predicted by a sage and was accompanied by many miraculous events. He renounced his royal life at the age of 30 and spent the rest of his life spreading the principles of Jainism. Today, he is remembered as a great spiritual leader and his teachings continue to guide people towards a more compassionate and peaceful way of life.