An eternal message of peace, truth, and non-violence from Jainism
In this world, words are very few—but their meanings and emotions are infinite.
This visual may be only 15 minutes long, but the knowledge, the joy, and the spiritual depth it offers are endless and timeless.
This is Episode 9 of Gagar Ma Sagar—an ocean in a drop.
🧘 Who Was Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir?
Whenever world history or Indian history is written, Jainism can never be left out, and the name of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami will forever shine bright. His impact on the world was immense, is still powerful, and will continue to be.
Whenever there is discussion of philosophy, no great thinker—past, present, or future—can afford to set aside Jain philosophy.
Similarly, in the realm of science—physics, chemistry, biology—no scientist can ignore the profound scientific wisdom contained in the Jain Agamas.
In the field of linguistics and literature, the Ardhamagadhi and Prakrit languages propagated by Mahavir Swami are indispensable to language scholars.
In cosmology, geometry, or mathematics, no expert can brush aside Jain contributions.
We have inherited this astonishing spiritual legacy thanks to Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir. Today, it has been 2618 years since his birth and 2546 years since his nirvana.
❓ Who Was He?
Over 2500 years ago, even Mahavir’s first spiritual successor, Jambu Swami, asked this same question:
Pucchissunam samana mahanaaya…
O Great Monk, who was Mahavir? What was his truth? What was his path?
Bhagwan Mahavir was such a powerful presence that everyone who came into contact with him either took initiation or embraced lay vows.
His divine influence attracted even the 64 chief gods of heaven.
Wherever he went, a Samavasaran (divine preaching hall) manifested.
People received transformative answers to their deepest questions.
Thousands attained liberation through his guidance.
🔁 The Journey of the Soul
Mahavir’s soul awakened to truth 27 lifetimes prior to his final birth—this awakening is known as Samyak Darshan.
In that life (as Naisar), through devotion and grace, he realized the Self and began his upward spiritual journey.
Later, he was born as the grandson of Rishabhdev Bhagwan, the first Tirthankar.
There, an error—ego of his noble lineage—led to delay in attaining moksha.
In his 25th birth as Nandan Muni, he performed 1.1 million consecutive fasts (Maaskhamans) with the pure intent of universal upliftment. This earned him the Tirthankar-nam-karma, the spiritual cause that gives rise to a Tirthankar.
He then took birth in the 10th heaven, and from there, descended into the womb of Devananda Brahmini. But due to past karma, Indra orchestrated a divine transfer of the embryo to Queen Trishala of Kshatriya Kundgram—his rightful mother.
👶 Birth of a Great One
Signs of growth and prosperity began to appear in the land even before his birth, so he was named Vardhaman (the one who grows).
As a child, he possessed clairvoyant knowledge (Avadhi Jnan) and outshined even his teachers.
When gods tested him in the form of snakes and demons, the fearless child triumphed—earning the name Mahavir.
🧘♂️ The Spiritual Life
He renounced the world and accepted Diksha (spiritual initiation), followed by 12.5 years of intense penance and meditation.
Finally, he attained Kevalgyan (omniscience) and preached for 30 years, giving humanity the treasure of Jain Dharma.
📜 What Did Mahavir Swami Give the World?
✅ A well-organized, scientific religion
He classified every element of existence—karma, soul, matter, atoms—with stunning detail and clarity.
He didn’t just give religion—he gave a scientific, practical spiritual path.
✅ A message of minimalism and fearlessness
He showed that one can live without wealth, without attachment, yet with total joy and fearlessness.
This was revolutionary then, and remains relevant even today.
✅ Liberation from materialism
When the world was sinking into material excess and physical indulgence, Mahavir taught that the soul is greater than the body.
He presented a way to live joyfully with less—without stress, greed, or ego.
✅ A stand against violence and slavery
He stopped the mass animal sacrifices and advocated Ahimsa (non-violence).
He gave Abhaydaan (freedom from fear), inspiring many to reject slavery and embrace freedom.
✅ The philosophy of Anekantavad
He taught us to embrace multiple perspectives, to let go of arguments and conflicts, and build harmony.
🕊️ The Three Eternal Pillars
- Ahimsa (Non-violence)
- Anekantavad (Relativity of truth)
- Aparigraha (Non-possession)
These are the cornerstones of Jain Dharma, first gifted to the world by Mahavir Swami.
Even modern philosophers, scientists, and thinkers accept his relevance—except, perhaps, for economists who may not find much “profit” in his minimalism. But those who value humanity and life wholeheartedly embrace his message.
🔚 Conclusion
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed that only the path of Ahimsa, Anekantavad, and Aparigraha can lead us to inner peace and ultimate purpose.
Mahavir Swami’s wisdom was too profound for even the greatest scientists to ignore—and if we ignore it, our lives may too fall into ruin.
So let’s walk every step with Mahavir Swami in our hearts.
He lived before, he lives now, and as long as the sun shines, Mahavir Swami shall live on.
Jai Ho. Vijay Ho.