Lord Mahavir was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, a major religion in India. He was born in 599 BCE in Vaishali and is known for his teachings on non-violence, truth, and asceticism. Mahavir emphasized the importance of self-discipline and compassion towards all living beings. He attained enlightenment at the age of 30 and spent the next 30 years spreading his teachings. Mahavir's philosophy laid the foundation for the Jain way of life, which includes principles like ahimsa (non-violence) and aparigraha (non-possessiveness). His followers celebrate his teachings and life through various rituals and festivals.