Shrimad Yashovijayji Upadhyay
01. Bhagavan Mahavira: The Great Saviour In Lotus-Posture
The concept of time in Jainism is cyclic with the cycles of ascendance and descendant, each of uniform duration. During this period, twenty-four great Tirthamkaras are born in Bharata. They are omnipotent, by rigorous practice of non-violence, self-control and severe austerities. They are omniscient, omnipotent and are absolutely free form passions. They lay down the path for the spiritual uplift of humanity and hence are known as Tirthamkaras. They are highly venerated and worshipped by all the Jains. After annihilating all Karmans, they get rid of the cycle of births and deaths and attain siddhi-a state of complete spiritual bliss. They are also known as Arhats, Arihantas, Vitaragas, Jinas etc. The illustration facing this page show Bhagavan Mahavira, the twenty-fourth and the last great Tirthamkara of this age. He is also known as Vardhamana, Devarya, Jnatanandana, etc.