Question

The last succession of Jain Tirthankaras was………
A. Parsvanatha
B. Rishabha
C. Mahavira
D. Manisubruta

Answer 1

Hint: The last succession of Jain Tirthankara was also known as Vardhaman. He was born in Kshatriya Kundagrama, in Vaishali, Bihar. He is also known for bringing reforms in the Jain Monastic community.

Complete answer:
Mahavira is viewed as the one who gave Jainism its present-day structure. Mahavira was born to king Siddhartha and queen Trishala. His parents were known followers of Parshva. Since he was their youngest child, Mahavira was not the crown prince. Rather than seeing him as the founder of a new faith, Mahavira should be more like a reformer, who bought changes to the already established religion. He was twenty fourth Tiranthankara who succeeded after Parshvanatha.
After the demise of both his parents and at thirty years of age he renounced all the comfort and luxury he had been living in earlier as a prince. He left the royal life behind in order to live the life of an ascetic.
He burned through twelve and a half years exposing himself to very long, difficult times of fasting and reflection. In the long run his endeavors proved to be fruitful, and Vardhamana accomplished Kevalnyan, edification, and in this way was later called Mahavira (the name is from maha, incredible, and vira, hero).
Parshva as the preceding Tirthankara had given four principles of Jainism which were, no violence, no lying, no stealing and no possessions. To these Mahavira added another one which was the principle of celibacy.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Mahavira is typically portrayed in a sitting or standing thoughtful stance, with the image of a lion underneath him. Jains celebrate Mahavira Janma Kalyanak to honour the birth of Mahavira and they celebrate Diwali to honour his salvation.