History Study notes:Study Notes on Jainism PART-1

1. Vardhamana Mahavira was believed to have born in 540 BC in KundalaGrama in Vaishali the capital of Vajji. Now it is in Mussafar district in Bihar.
2. He belonged to Jnatrika Kshatriya clan.
3. Mahavira’s family was connected with the royal family of Magadha.
4. The word ‘Jaina’ was originated from the word ‘Jina’ which means conqueror.
5. Jainism speaks about 24 thinthankaras. Mahavira was the 24th Thirthankara, who is considered as the founder of Jainism.
6. Rishabha was the first Thirthankara. Neminath and Parswanatha were the 22nd and 23rd Thirthankaras respectively.
7. Bhagavatapurana, Vishnupurana, Vayupurana,etc mentions about Rishabhadeva.
8. Sidhartha, ruler of Nandadynasty which ruled Kundalapuri, was the father of VardhmanaMahavira.
9. Mahavira’s mother was Trissala and Yasodha was his wife.
10. Jameli was the daughter of Mahavira.
11. Mahavira is also known as ‘Vaishalia’ as he was born in Vaishali.
12. He got Kaivalya at the age of 42 under a Sal tree on the bank of river Rajpalika near Village Jimbhrikagrama.
13. At first Mahavira followed the practice of an ascetic group called Nirgrandhas , which earlier led by Parswanath.
14. MakhaliGosala was a companion of Mahavira, Who later founded the Ajivika sect.
15. Mahavira attained Nirvana at the age of 72 at Pavapuri near Rajagriha in 468 BC.