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Mahavira (1882 BC to 1810 BC)
151 begging, giving up delicious food, mortification of the flesh, humility, service etc. Mahavira was meticulous about pious diet viz. Hitahar (fit for health) and Mitahar (lesser food).
Jains are supposed to hold these vows at the centre of their lives. The monks and nuns follow these vows strictly and totally, while the common people try to follow the vows as far as their life styles permit. Death of Mahavira Mahavira fell sick at Pavapuri near Pataliputra (Patna) and attained Nirvana (salvation) on Kartika Amavasya (15th October) at the age of seventy-two in 1810 BC. The occasion was celebrated as the Dipavali festival, and Vir Nirvana Samvat commenced from the date. Thus, the period of Mahavira's life was from 1882 BC to 1810 BC and not from mentioned in Indian History taught in schools and colleges. Followers After Mahavira's nirvana, Jain religious order grew more and more complex. There were schisms on some minor points although they did not affect the original doctrines as preached by the Tirthankars. Later generations saw the introduction of ritualistic complexities, which almost placed Mahavira and other Tirthankars on the throne of Hindu deities. Idol Worship The idols of 24 Tirthankars in the temple are the same because they represent the quality and virtues of Tirthankars not the physical body. However, at the bottom of each idol a unique symbol is placed to differentiate them. Mahavira's idol is recognized by the symbol of a lion. Prayers of Jains The prayer of Jains religion is - I bow to the enlightened souls, I bow to the liberated souls, I bow to religious leaders, I bow to religious teachers, and I bow to all monks of the world. Disciples There were 11 chief disciples of Mahavira viz. Indrabhuti Gautam, Agnibhuti, Vayubhuti, Aryayakta, Sudharma, Mandikputra, Mauryaputra, Akanipit, Achal, Maitreya and Prabhas. Mahasati Chandana was the chief of the Jain nuns and Chelna was the chief of the householder's organization. Out of the 11 disciples, 9 predeceased Mahavira. Indrabhuti Gautam and Sudharma, who survived, became the head of the Jain temples after Mahavira. Udayi, the grand son of Ajatasatru embraced Jainism. It gave a boost to Jainism. Literature The chief disciples incorporated the teachings of Mahavira in 12 Angas viz. Acaranga, Sutrakrtanga, Sthananga, Samavayanga, Vyakhya-prajnapti, Nayadhammakaha, Upaskadhyayana, Antakrt-dasa, Anuttaraupapatika-dasa, Prasna-vyakarana, Vipakasutra and
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