From Jainism's Holy Akaranga Sutra: Book II – Begging of Food: Part 2 of 2

Lord Mahavira, who is considered to be the last Tirthankara, was born around 5-6 century BC, as a prince of the ancient kingdom of Vaishali. He later forsook his royal status to pursue the spiritual path. After attaining keval jnan, or all-knowing intuitive vision, he spent the rest of his life giving discourses on spiritual truths, which form the present-day tenets of Jainism.