Early Life and Youth of Lord Mahavira

Lord Mahavira was born 2600 years ago. His father was king Siddhartha the ruler of Videh, and queen Trishla was his mother. Queen Trishla gave birth to Lord Mahavir in March/April on Mahavir Jayanti day in 599BC. They named him Vardhaman which means ‘one who brings prosperity’. Legend has it that 56 maidens from Indralok performed holy rituals and danced to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Attending this ceremony, along with the other gods, was Indra who carried Vardhaman to Mount Meru, where everyone sang the infant’s glory. 

Since the day he was conceived, new dimensions were added to the prosperity of Videh. State coffers overflowing with money, silver, gold and gems. So, when he was born, he was given the name 'Vardhman.' Mahavira is known by a number of names, which are Vardhman, Shramana, Mahavira, Sanmati, Vira, Ativira and Ghathaputra . He has been mentioned as Nathaputra in Buddhist scriptures.

There are many stories of Mahavir’s boyhood. They illustrate that from early childhood, Mahavir believed in practicing non-violence. He did not use force to control even wild and dangerous animals. He knew that all living beings understand the language of love. Once young Mahavir was playing with friends when a snake appeared. His friends were scared and they ran away. On another occasion, Mahavir was not scared of an angry elephant. The elephant eventually became calm and docile.

At seven when Vardhaman was playing with friends an evil demi-god took the form of a cobra and tried to frighten the kids. Brave Vardhaman boldly grabbed the snake and flung it far away. On another occasion, the demi-god joined the children in the disguise of a child. According to the rules of the game, Vardhaman had a chance to ride on the child’s back. As Vardhaman climbed onto his back the child transferred himself into a demon. Vardhaman controlled him with his mighty fists. The demon appeared in his true form and praised Vardhaman for his bravery and called him ‘Mahavir’ meaning very brave.  

Seeing the prince in the prime of his youth, king Siddhartha initiated moves for the marriage of his son. But Mahavira was indifferent to all things mundane right from his childhood. So he did not agree to the proposal to get married with Yashodaya the daughter of king Jitshatru. The royal parents put heavy pressure on Mahavira to accept the proposal. He had great regards for his parents and did not want to hurt their feelings, so reluctantly he accepted it, and also resolved that as long as his parents lived, he would not renounce the family, although he was strongly inspired to renounce wordly things.

Once, Mahavira was in deep meditation. He unfolded the depth of the inner consciousness and transcended into the astral realms. He re-capitulated the memories of his past lives' existence; certain events of his past impinged themselves upon his consciousness. He saw by his intuition that his parents, the followers of Lord Parshawa had decided to self-embrace yogic death. Thanks to the very high affection exuded towards him by his parents, as also his own reciprocation for twenty-eight years, their demise gave rise to much anguish in the affectionate heart of Mahavira.

Following the demise, when his uncle Suparshwa and elder brother Nandiwardhan learnt about his views to renounce the household, they tried to change his mind, but in vain. However, experiencing the compassion of his uncle and elder brother he agreed to stay for two years with a pre-condition that he be allowed to follow his own spiritual course. During these two years, he practised non-violence, truth and celibacy. He practised meditation, contemplation, non-attachment, that opened up the virtues of self-realisation.

Monastic Life As An Ascetic