According to the jain traditions, there were 24 Thirthankaras in Jainism. Rishabhadeva or Adinath was the first Tirthankara while Lord Mahavira was the last and 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Vayu Purana and 'Bhagwat Purana' mention Rishabhadeva as the incarnation of Narayana.
Lord Mahavira was a holy religious figure, a philosopher and a reformer of ancient India. He is largely accepted as the real founder of jainism; however its origin roots date back to the first jain Tirthankara Rishabhadeva. but it was Lord Mahavira who gave a final and complete shape to Jainism. Lord Mahavira's childhood name was Vardhamana. he was born in the village Kundagrama near Vaisali about 540 B.C. His father Siddharaha was the head of famous kshatriya Clan and his mother Trisala waws the sister of Chetaka, an eminent Lichchhavi noble of Vaisali. mahavira had also relation with Bimbisara, the king of Magadha.
Lord Mahavira was married to Yasoda. He is believed to have lived a life of a householder. He had a doughter named 'Pritadarsana'. lord mahavira renounced his family and worldly life and became an ascetic after the deatyh of his parents. At that thme his age was 30. During the next twelve years he practised most regorous asceticism and led a tough life in search of truth and supreme knowledge. At the age of 42, Lord mahavira attained 'Kaivalya' (the Supreme Knowledge) under a 'Sala' tree near the village 'jrimbhikagrama' on the bank of the river 'Rijupalika'. After attaining kaivalya, he came to be known as 'Mahavira' and Jina (the conqueror of passions). That is why his followers were known as 'Jains'. he was also referred to as 'Nirgrantha' (free from worldly fetters). Lord mahavira started preaching his religion belies among people. Mahavira Swami accepted four doctrines of Lord Parshwanath, the 23th Tirthankara in Jainism. They are Ahimsa (non violence), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-possession) and Satya (speaking the truth).
Mahavira Swami dedecated his remainging life in preaching his doctrines and religious views. He preached in Magadha, Anga, Mithila, Kosala, and many other parts. In a short span of time, he popularized Jainism in various parts of India. Lord Mahavira passed away at Pawapuri in 468 B.C. at the age of 72.
