According to Osho, Mahavira became the decisive twenty-fourth tirthankara—the tradition's final 'seal'—by giving the shramana vision its ultimate coherence. Paradoxically, his utterly non-sectarian, relativistic insight (that every view is partial) birthed the Jain sampradaya without sectarianism. Thus his authority lies not in dogma, but in a many-sided truth that guides seekers while honoring other paths.
Mahavira is Jainism's last great teacher who shaped its path and taught that no one has the whole truth, so be humble and respectful while you follow your way.