Vardhamana Mahavira or 'The Great Hero' was the twenty-fourth and the last Tirthankara of the Jain religion. Mahavira was preceded by 23 other Tirthankaras. The first Tirthankara of Jain religion was Risabhnath or Adinath while the 23rd was Parshvanath. Many people believe that Lord Mahavira was the founder of Jainism but the foundation of Jain religion was laid down by the Tirthankaras who preceded Vardhaman Mahavira. The father of Vardhaman was head of a famous Kshatriya clan and his mother a Lichchavai princess. Mahavir became an ascetic at the age of 30 and attained 'Kaivalya' (perfect knowledge) by the age of 42. He was known as Jina by his conquerors and thus his followers were called Jains. He died at Pavapuri near Rajgir. The main philosophy of Jainism is total renunciation and the right faith, right knowledge and right action are the three jewels of good living.

The core of Jainism is non-violence (ahimsa) and therefore killing is strongly forbidden. Conforming to this faith, most Jains are vegetarians and cover their mouths to avoid accidental swallowing of germs & insects. Jainism is rigorous and preaches self control and asceticism. The teachings of Jainism are recorded in the 'Angas' that were last edited in the fifth century A.D. Jains are broadly divided into two major - Digambaras (sky clad) and the Shvetambaras (white-clad). Digambaras live in monasteries and do not wear clothes as they spurn material possessions. They believe that there is no other god except Mahavira and do not accept the 12 'Angas' as authentic, and (ii) Shvetambaras are further subdivided into 2 subsects - (i) Deravasi and (ii) Sthanavasi. Shwetambaras believe Mahavira to be a great man but do not worship him as God. While Deravasis believe in idol worship, Sthanavasis do not.

Jain Temples in India
Rikhabdev or Kesariyaji Temple	Sri Mahavirji Temple
Osiyan Temple	Juna Temple
Nakoda Temple	Chaumukha Temple