Jainism
Jainism - Tirthankaras, Vardhaman Mahavira & Triratna Origin of Jainism Jainism is a very ancient religion. As per some traditions, it is as old as the Vedic religion. The Jain tradition has a succession of great teachers or Tirthankaras. There were 24 Tirthankaras the last of which was Vardhaman Mahavira. The first Tirthankara is believed to be Rishabhanath or Rishabhadev. The 23rd Tirthankara was Parshvanatha who was born in Varanasi. He may have lived in the 8th or 7th century BC. All the Tirthankaras were Kshatriyas by birth. Founder of Jainism – Vardhaman Mahavira (539- 467 B.C.) Considered the last Tirthankara. He was born at Kundagrama near Vaisali. His parents were Kshatriyas. Father – Siddhartha (Head of Jnatrika Clan); Mother – Trishala (Sister of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka). (Chetaka’s daughter married Haryanka King Bimbisara). He was married to Yasoda and had a daughter Anojja or Priyadarsana. At the age of 30, Vardhaman renounced his home and became a wandering ascetic.