Life of Mahavir
The Life of Bhagwan Mahavir
भगवान महावीर का जीवन · ભગવાન મહાવીરનું જીવન
From a prince in Kundagram to the lamps of Pavapuri
- 5 min full story
- 2 min children's telling
- For all ages
The whole life of the twenty fourth Tirthankar in one telling: a fearless prince who chose to leave his palace, a long journey of silence and patience, and the teaching that still lights the way for millions.
What it teaches Ahimsa Courage Self-conquest Compassion
The opening of the children's telling
Long, long ago, a kind queen named Trishala had beautiful dreams. She dreamed of a white elephant, a lion, the moon, the sun and many more. The wise men said, Your baby will be a very great soul.
Soon a baby boy was born. His parents named him Vardhaman. He grew up brave and gentle. Once a big snake came near his friends, and they all ran away. But Vardhaman stayed calm and walked gently towards it, and the snake quietly slid away. People began to call him Mahavir, the great hero.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
Mahavir became great by conquering himself, and that path is open to every soul.
To talk about together
Which of Mahavir's teachings do you think would help most in your home this week?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.