Bhagwan Mahavira was born at Vaisali (Bihar), the then capital of the Licchavis, as the son of King Siddhartha. In spite of being born in affluent surroundings, he renounced the worldly life and became an ascetic practising the five great vows of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, continence, and non-acquisitiveness.

After leading a life of sacrifice and penance for 12 years, Bhagwan Mahavira attained the perfect knowledge. He became the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. He preached the basic tenets of Jainism which include Non-violence, Equality, the Philosophy of Soul and the need for Co-existence. He advocated the necessity for men to remain free from passions and showed them the Right Path consisting of Right Knowledge, Right Faith, Right Conduct and Right Penance.

Bhagwan Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pavapuri in Bihar at the age of 72.

The Posts and Telegraphs Department are privileged to pay homage to the memory of this great soul during the 25th Centenary year of his Nirvana by issuing a commemorative postage stamp. The temple at Pavapui is adopted as the motif of the stamp.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India