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Lord Mahavira
Although Lord Mahavira is the 24th (and the last) Tirthankara in the line, he holds the most eminent status in Jain Dharma. In fact, it was Lord Mahavira who gathered and organized the various elements of Jain Dharma and expounded them.
Mahavira was born about 2500 years ago (ca 599 B.C.E.) in Vaishali Republic (Bihar), in an aristocratic Kshatriya clan. His father's name was Siddhartha. After his birth, wealth and opulence began to increase in the household. His parents attributed this sudden good luck to the baby, who was therefore named Vardhamana (ever increasing, prosperous). From early childhood he was extremely handsome and was endowed with immense intelligence and fortitude. Therefore, he became known as Mahavira, “the Great Hero.” Mahavira's father was chief of the Jnatrika clan, which is reflected in his later epithets Nata Putta (scion of Jnatr family). When Mahavira attained self realization he came to be known as Sanmati (One who possesses extraordinary wisdom). In this way, Vardhamana has come to have many honorary titles.
After mastering various arts and skills suitable to a young man of the Kshatriya caste, Prince Vardhamana obeyed the wishes of his
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