Question

Consider the following statements regarding Vardhamana Mahavira

1. He was the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain tradition.

2. In the 13th year of his penance, he attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kevala Gnana.

3. Mahavira's teachings were compiled by Indrabhuti Gautama and popularly called as the Jain Agamas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : 1, 2 and 3

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3

• Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain tradition. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• He married Yasoda and gave birth to a daughter. At the age of thirty he became an ascetic and wandered for twelve years. In the 13th year of his penance, he attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kevala Gnana. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• After attaining Kevala Jnana, Mahavira taught that observance of the vows of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment) is necessary for spiritual liberation. He taught the principles of Anekantavada (many-sided reality): syadvada and nayavada.
• Mahavira's teachings were compiled by Indrabhuti Gautama (his chief disciple) as the Jain Agamas. Hence, statement 3 is correct.