Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was born in the ancient kingdom of Videha, in present-day Bihar, India. He was born into a royal family, as the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. According to Jain tradition, Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara, or spiritual leader, of Jainism.

Mahavira's journey towards becoming the 24th Tirthankara began with his birth. According to Jain texts, his mother Trishala had a series of auspicious dreams before his birth, which were interpreted as a sign that her child would become a great spiritual leader. His birth was celebrated with grand festivities and he was named Vardhamana, which means "one who grows".

As a young prince, Mahavira enjoyed a life of luxury and privilege. However, he was deeply introspective and had a strong desire for spiritual knowledge. He was dissatisfied with the materialistic life and felt a strong calling towards spiritual pursuits. At the age of 30, he renounced his royal status and left his family to become an ascetic.

For the next 12 years, Mahavira practiced intense meditation and self-mortification, following the teachings of his predecessor, Parshvanatha. He also studied various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. However, he was not satisfied with any of these teachings and continued his search for enlightenment.

Finally, at the age of 42, Mahavira attained enlightenment and became a Tirthankara. He spent the rest of his life teaching and spreading his philosophy, which came to be known as Jainism. His teachings emphasized the importance of non-violence, compassion, and detachment from worldly possessions. He also preached the concept of ahimsa, or non-violence towards all living beings, which became a core principle of Jainism.

Mahavira's teachings were widely accepted and he gained a large following of disciples. He also established a monastic order, with strict rules and practices, to preserve and spread his teachings. He traveled extensively throughout India, preaching his philosophy and converting people to Jainism.

After 30 years of teaching, Mahavira attained moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. He is believed to have achieved this by following the path of ahimsa and living a life of complete detachment and purity. His death was celebrated by his followers as the ultimate victory over the cycle of life and death.

In conclusion, Mahavira's journey towards becoming the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism was marked by his strong desire for spiritual knowledge and his relentless pursuit of enlightenment. His teachings and principles continue to be followed by millions of Jains around the world, making him one of the most revered and influential figures in Jainism.