Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 52

in the same way Mahavir stands tallest among all the spiritual teachers in guiding humanity to take to the path of eventual salvation."
Mahatma Gandhi, who drew abiding inspiration from Jain religion described Mahavir as an incarnation of non-violence, who spread the message of nonviolence as no other person ever did. Dr. Ernest Liey, a renowned German scholar paying a warm tribute to Mahavir has observed that he was a divine being, a paragon among the practitioners of penance, greatest among the thinkers, a leader among the evolutionists of soul, and a beacon light in all branches of knowledge. C. Rajagopalachri, former Governor General of India and a front-ranking freedom fighter has very thoughtfully observed that the message of Bhagwan Mahavir is not for any particular community or sect, but for the entire world. If one follows his preaching based on first practicing oneself, one can lead an ideal life of true happiness
Mahavir's teachings strike a common universal chord since all the religions and faiths of the world recognize that protection of nature and all living beings and kindness towards all should be the basic essence of human behavior. The great Jain sage Kartikeya Swamy expounded the teaching of "JEEVANAM RAKKHANAM DHAMMO PARMODAYA VISHUDHO”, meaning preservation of all forms of life constitutes the purest form of religion.
Life prior to Renunciation
Mahavir was born in a royal family on the thirteenth day of the rising moon half of Indian calender Chaitra month in 599 B.C. in the state of Bihar, India. This day falls in the month of April as per the Christian calendar. His birthplace was Kundalpur, which was part of the famous Vaishali (LICHHAVI) republic. The famous Chinese traveler has described with great admiration the highly prosperous and rich city of Vaishali. His father was King Siddartha the King of Kshatriyakund, and his mother was Queen Trishala. She was the daughter of the Emperor of Lichhavi
A Portrait of Jain Religion
41