It will be seen from Lord Mahavira's life that his observance of Tapa ( penance) elevated him to the supreme state of Omniscient Teacher(Arhat).It was by mortification and austerity that he could become the unequalled Master of Ahimsa. It will be astonishing to know that even though he knew that it was his last life-span (Bhava) and would be a Tirthankara in the same life yet it is imperative that he must annihilate (Nirjara) all the remaining karma and liberate his Soul. With intense single-mindedness of purpose, Lord Mahavira ate and drank water only 349 times in the course of his twelve years and six months and fifteen days of monkhood. All his fasting days were without water.His lengthy fasts were generally undertaken during the monsoon days, when monks have to remain at one place. The longest fast was of six months. All these years he neither squat nor slept - except for about 3 hours, spent during nature's call and travelling and spent all his time in meditation in standing position - statuesque minimum of about twenty hours, usually in the open.He lived very frugally wandering from place to place with only one garment. So intense was his concentration on his goal that when his only garment was accidently caught on a thorn-bush and pulled off, he remained without it thereafter.For intensive tapa, mortification and austerity he travelled to 'Anaryadesa"- uncivilised countries and suffered unimaginable, untold hardships with equanimity(Samabhava), all for the attainment of Omniscience - the stage of perfection and purity. Mahavira finally annihilated four major Karmas( Ghati Karma) and attained Kevaljana (Dynamic Omniscience Stage). Precisely 12 years and 6 months and 15 days after renouncing the princely state in pursuit of his goal he was able to comprehend the mechanism of the universe as a whole and human nature in particular, which led him to the root of all problems.

A more significant event of his fruitful initial sermon after omniscience to an audience which included " Indrabhuti Gautama", a Brahmin who was a scholar of repute, great authority on Vedic-Scriptures and exceedingly proud of his knowledge. Through his encounter Gautama became the chief disciple - ' Ganadhara'. Lord Mahavira had eleven Ganadharas as his inner circle.

Lord Mahavira attained Siddhatva in the year 527 B. C.

Some views of eminent personalities of the world.

"In conclusion let me assert my conviction that Jainism is an original system quite distinct and independant from all others: and that therefore it is of great importance for the study of philosophical thought and religious life in ancient India."  -----   Dr. Hermann Jacobi.

"Jainism is of a very high order , its important teachings are based upon science. The more the scientific knowledge advances the more that Jain teachings will be proved." ------ L.P. Tessitore, Italy.

"Lofty in ideas and high ascetic practices are found in Jainism. It is impossible to know the begining of Jainism." ------ Major General Forlong.

"Jainism has contributed to the world the sublime Doctrine of Ahimsa. No other religion has emphasised the importance of Ahimsa and carried its practice to the extent that Jainism has done, Jainism deserves to be universal religion because of its Ahimsa Doctrine."      ------ Presrident Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

"There is nothing wonderful in my saying that Jainism was in existence long before Vedas were composed."                                                                                        ---- Dr. Radha Krishnan - Vice President.

"We learn from Shastras and commentaries that Jainism is existing from beginingless time. The fact is indisputable and free from difference of opinion. There is much historical evidence on this point."