Tirthankara

Jain 24-Tirthankaras

The 24 Tirthankaras forming the tantric meditative syllable Hrim

Jain statues, Gwalior

Sixteen Symbolic Dreams

Lord Risbabhdev in Samosharan on Mount Kailash

Altarpiece with multiple Jinas, c. 1500, Norton Simon Museum

Tirthankara is a pivotal concept in Jainism, representing the founding figures of the Jain faith. A Tirthankara is a savior and spiritual teacher who has succeeded in crossing over life's stream of rebirths and has made a path for others to follow. The word "Tirthankara" signifies "maker of the ford" (tīrtha) and refers to one who helps the soul cross the ocean of samsara or the cycle of birth and death, achieving moksha or liberation.

Overview

In Jain tradition, a Tirthankara is a special soul that has destroyed all of its karma, achieving pure, infinite knowledge (Kevala Jnana), perception, bliss, and power. These enlightened individuals are revered for their teachings and the paths they have laid out for the liberation of souls in the material world. There are a total of 24 Tirthankaras in the current time cycle (kalpa), with Rishabhanatha being the first and Mahavira being the last and most famous in our present age.

Life and Teachings

Each Tirthankara revitalizes the Jain order, establishing a fourfold community of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. Their lives and teachings form the core of Jain scriptures and practices. Despite being historical figures, the first few Tirthankaras are considered to be more legendary due to the lack of historical evidence surrounding their lives. The life of a Tirthankara is marked by five auspicious events (Kalyanakas): conception, birth, renunciation, attainment of omniscience (Kevala Jnana), and finally, liberation (Nirvana or Moksha).

Iconography and Worship

Tirthankaras are depicted in Jain art and temples in a serene, meditative state, often identified by symbols associated with each one of them. For example, Rishabhanatha is identified by a bull symbol, while Mahavira is associated with a lion. These symbols help devotees to distinguish between the Tirthankaras. The statues of Tirthankaras are revered in temples and are the focus of various rituals and ceremonies. The worship of Tirthankaras is a key aspect of Jain devotional practices, aiming to purify the soul and follow the path laid out by these enlightened beings.

Significance

The concept of Tirthankara is central to Jainism, embodying the religion's core teachings of non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-attachment (Aparigraha). Tirthankaras exemplify the ultimate goal of Jain life: liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Their lives and teachings offer a path to spiritual awakening and ethical living.

List of Tirthankaras

The 24 Tirthankaras of the present age are:

1. Rishabhanatha
2. Ajitanatha
3. Sambhavanatha
4. Abhinandananatha
5. Sumatinatha
6. Padmaprabha
7. Suparshvanatha
8. Chandraprabha
9. Pushpadanta
10. Sheetalnatha
11. Shreyansanatha
12. Vasupujya
13. Vimalnatha
14. Anantanatha
15. Dharmanatha
16. Shantinatha
17. Kunthunatha
18. Aranatha
19. Mallinatha
20. Munisuvrata
21. Naminatha
22. Neminatha
23. Parshvanatha
24. Mahavira

See Also

• Jain cosmology
• Karma in Jainism
• Moksha (Jainism)