Q. The Jainas believe that Jainism is the outcome of the teachings of 24 tirthankaras. In the light of this statement, which one among the following is correct of Vardhamana Mahavira?
(a) He was the first tirthankara and the founder of Jainism
(b) He was the 23rd tirthankara, the first 22 tirthankaras being considered legendary
(c) He was the last and 24th tirthankara, who was not considered as the founder of the new faith but as a reformer of the existing religious sect
(d) He was not one of the 24 tirthankaras
Ans: (c) He was the last and 24th tirthankara, who was not considered as the founder of the new faith but as a reformer of the existing religious sect
Explanation: In the light of the statement that Jainism is the outcome of the teachings of 24 tirthankaras, the correct description of Vardhamana Mahavira is (c) He was the last and 24th tirthankara, who was not considered as the founder of the new faith but as a reformer of the existing religious sect.
According to Jain belief, Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th and last tirthankara, who revitalized and reformed the existing Jain religious tradition. He is considered a great spiritual teacher and reformer who expounded upon and propagated the principles and practices of Jainism, but he is not regarded as the founder of Jainism itself.
Jainism predates Mahavira, and the teachings of the earlier tirthankaras, considered legendary, are considered integral to Jain philosophy. Mahavira’s contributions lie in systematizing and expanding the Jain teachings, emphasizing the core principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, non-attachment, and other ethical values.
So, while Mahavira is an essential figure in Jainism and is revered as the last tirthankara, he is not regarded as the founder but rather as a reformer and transmitter of the teachings of the previous tirthankaras.
