Question

Explain the statement with reasons.

Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha attracted a large number of followers.

Answer 1

1. Among the various stream of thoughts that arose in the 6^th B.C.E a large number of people were attracted to the teaching of Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.
2. Their teachings showed the way to overcome the disparity in the society resulted from the Varna and caste system.
3. At the age of 42, Vardhamana Mahavira attained absolute knowledge (Keval Dnyana).
4. Thereafter, people started addressing him as 'Kevali', 'Jina', and 'Mahavira'.
5. While Buddha attained enlightenment at the age of 35. After that, he was known as 'Buddha', 'Tathagata' and also as 'Shakyamuni'.