Option a is the correct answer. Parsvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of the Jainas, was born approximately 3000 years ago in Varanasi on the occasion of Paush Krishna Ekadashi. Departing his home at 30, he embraced monkhood, and after 83 days of intense penance, he achieved Kaivalyagyan (complete knowledge) on the 84th day, obtaining enlightenment on the Samamed Mountains of Varanasi. His symbol is the snake. Important Tips Mahavira, also called Vardhamana, was the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism. His name comes from the special dreams his mother had before he was born, where a bull (Rishabha) appeared. He was the next spiritual leader after the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha. Born in ancient India during the early part of the 6th century BCE, Mahavira came from a royal Jain family. His mother's name was Trishala, and his Father's name was Siddhartha. The first Tirthankara of Jainism was Rishabhanatha, who started the religion.