Jainism originated in the 6th century BCE when Vardhamana Mahavira propagated the religion. According to Jain beliefs, there were 24 great teachers before Mahavira, with the first being Rishabhanath, who founded Jainism. Mahavira was born in 599 BCE and renounced his home at age 30 to become an ascetic. After 12 years of fasting and meditation, he attained perfect knowledge at age 42 and came to be known as Mahavira or "Great Hero." He passed away at age 72, becoming fully liberated. Jainism rejects the idea of a creator god and the Vedas, believing that salvation comes from following nonviolence and other principles