Jainism was founded by Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara, who lived around 2500 years ago. He was a Kshatriya prince who, at age 30, renounced his home and possessions to live an ascetic life in the forest. After 12 years of hardship, he attained enlightenment and taught others. His core teachings were non-violence and that men and women must leave home and follow strict rules of ahimsa to understand the truth. Followers, called Jainas, had to live very simply by begging, being honest, and observing celibacy. Over hundreds of years, Jainism spread across North India and parts of Gujarat