Mahavira's Great Renunciation
The 24th Tirthankara
Prince Vardhamana, the 24th Tirthankara, renounced his royal life at thirty. He plucked out his hair in five handfuls, gave away his clothes, and wandered naked for twelve years practicing extreme non-violence and meditation.
Kevala Jnana
He achieved kevala jnana (omniscience) under a sala tree and established the Jain sangha. His teachings emphasized ahimsa (non-violence), truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment.
The Jain Sangha
Mahavira's disciples spread his teachings across India, establishing the two main branches of Jainism: Digambara (sky-clad) and Svetambara (white-clad).
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⚠️ This entry is REVIEWED — Advisory Council review pending.
