Lord Mahavir was the twenty-fourth and the last Tirthankara of the Jain religion. According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras were born as human beings but they have attained a state of perfection or enlightenment through meditation and self realization. They are the Gods of Jains. Tirthankaras are also known as Arihants or Jinas. Tirthankara - One who establishes the four fold order (Monk, Nun, Layman, and Laywoman) of religion. Arihant - One who destroys his inner enemies like anger, greed, passion, ego, etc. Jina - One who conquers his inner enemies like anger, greed, passion, ego, etc. The followers of Jina are known as Jains. Mahavir was born in 599 B.C. as a prince in Bihar, India. At the age of 30, he left his family and royal household, gave up his worldly possessions, including clothing and become a monk.