Mahavira was a prince of the Vaishali during the reign of Yayati. He was born to a royal family and was brought up as a Brahman. In his youth, he had a premonition that he would go on to become a great conqueror and emperor like his father, King Yayati. He felt that he must undertake the education of the people (Guru-Dharma) to bring them enlightenment.
Mahavira meditated for many years in the forest
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His master, Kundakunda attained realization and transmitted his knowledge to Mahavira. Mahavira then went to Varanasi, where he taught others including Jamadagni, King Parikshit, King Santanu, and Buddha.
Mahavira's son, Pravrajika Acharya Vasudeva, is also regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Many followers say that Lord Vishnu took birth as Pravrajika Acharya Vasudeva in order to save humanity from sin.