Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana was the 24th tirthankara of Jainism. He was the spiritual successor of 23rd tirthankara Parshvanatha. Mahavira was born in the early part of the 6th century BCE into a royal Kshatriya Jain family in present-day Bihar, India. His mother's name was Trishala. He abandoned all worldly possessions at the age of about 30 and left home in pursuit of spiritual awakening, becoming an ascetic. Mahavira practiced intense meditation and severe austerities for 12 and half years, after which he attained Kevala Jnana. He preached for 30 years and attained moksha in the 6th century BC, although the year varies by sect.
Historically, Mahavira, who preached Jainism in ancient India, was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha. Scholars variously date him from 6th-4th century BCE and his place of birth is also a point of dispute among them.
Mahavira taught that observance of the vows of ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha are necessary for spiritual liberation. He taught the principles of Anekantavada: syadvada and nayavada. Mahavira's teachings were compiled by Indrabhuti Gautama as the Jain Agamas.