Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s7.t8.5

v1.c7.s7.t8.5

The actual founder of Jainism is Vardhamāna (around 6^th century BCE) ie 24^th Jain Tīrthaṅkara, Nirgrantha-jñātaputra. Vardhamāna is the birth name of Nirgrantha-jñātaputra. According to some scholars, the sect led by Pārśvanāth (23^rd Jain Tīrthaṅkara) was also known as “Nirgrantha sect”. Vardhamāna enforced a series of active reforms in Jainism, nurturing it into one of the most influential religious sects in ancient India. In recognition of his significant contributions to the establishment and development of Jainism, he was widely hailed by his followers as Mahāvīra (“Great Hero”). Opinions differ regarding the exact date of Vardhamāna’s birth and death. Some believed him to be a contemporary of Shakyamuni. Born into a Kshatriya family, he became a monk at the age of 30 and for the next 12 years he practiced intense meditation and severe penance and after achieving Kevala Jnana or enlightenment, travelled around to preach Jainism and died at the age of 72.