Mahavira Jain was a great preacher of Jainism and lived at the same time that Gautam Buddha did. His whole birth took place in a series of miracles, which proved beyond doubt his divinity and holiness. His mother, Trisala, had many dreams, which all announced a great deal of upcoming auspicious events, thereby announcing the coming of a great Tirthankara, or a being higher than God Himself. When Mahavira was born to Trisala, he was named Vardhamana. He was a boy with exceptional qualities such as great beauty and strength, both physical and spiritual.

Vardhamana was already enlightened and sat in penance for two and a half day, under an Asoka tree. Even the Gods descended on Earth to catch a glimpse of this divine being. He then shed all his clothing, tore his hair out by the roots and attired himself only in a white robe. After undergoing severe penance, he was hailed as a Siddha, one who was completely liberated from all aspects of worldly life.