Jain Cosmology

Introduction to the 24 Tirthankaras

चौबीस तीर्थंकर: एक परिचय

The Tirthankaras ("Ford-Makers") are the supreme spiritual teachers of Dharma. In each cosmic cycle, 24 Tirthankaras are born to guide humanity across the ocean of existence (Samsara) to liberation (Moksha).

Who is a Tirthankara?

A Tirthankara is not a god in the sense of a creator, but a soul who has conquered all passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed) and attained Omniscience (Kevala Jnana).

They re-establish the four-fold order (Sangha) consisting of Monks (Sadhus), Nuns (Aryikas), Laymen (Shravaks), and Laywomen (Shravikas). By following their path, countless souls have attained salvation.

"We follow the teachings of 24 special Jinas who are known as Tirthankaras. The goal of life according to Jain Dharma is to attain Kevala (Liberation)."

24 Tirthankaras

Depiction of the 24 Tirthankaras

The 24 Divine Souls

Details of Birthplace, Parents, and Divine Symbols

1. Rishabhanatha
#01
Symbol: Bull (Ox)
Parents: Nabhiraja & Marudevi
Birthplace: Ayodhya (Vinittanagari)
Moksha: Ashtapad (Kailash)
2. Ajitnath
#02
Symbol: Elephant
Parents: Jitashatru & Vijaya
Birthplace: Ayodhya
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
3. Sambhavnath
#03
Symbol: Horse
Parents: Jitari & Susena
Birthplace: Shravasti
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
4. Abhinandannath
#04
Symbol: Monkey
Parents: Samvar & Siddhartha
Birthplace: Ayodhya
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
5. Sumatinath
#05
Symbol: Red Goose (Curlew)
Parents: Meghaprabha & Sumangala
Birthplace: Ayodhya
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
6. Padmaprabhu
#06
Symbol: Lotus
Parents: Dharan & Sushima
Birthplace: Kaushambi
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
7. Suparshvanath
#07
Symbol: Swastika
Parents: Pratishthasen & Pruthvi
Birthplace: Varanasi
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
8. Chandraprabhu
#08
Symbol: Moon (Crescent)
Parents: Mahasena & Sulakshana
Birthplace: Chandrapura
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
9. Pushpadanta
#09
Symbol: Crocodile
Parents: Sugriva & Rama
Birthplace: Kakandi
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
10. Sheetalnath
#10
Symbol: Kalpavriksha
Parents: Dridharatha & Sunanda
Birthplace: Bhadrapura
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
11. Shreyansnath
#11
Symbol: Rhinoceros
Parents: Vishnu & Venu
Birthplace: Simhapuri
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
12. Vasupujya
#12
Symbol: Buffalo
Parents: Vasupujya & Vijaya
Birthplace: Champapuri
Moksha: Champapuri
13. Vimalnath
#13
Symbol: Boar (Shukar)
Parents: Kritavarma & Suramya
Birthplace: Kampilya
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
14. Anantnath
#14
Symbol: Falcon (Porcupine)
Parents: Simhasena & Suyasah
Birthplace: Ayodhya
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
15. Dharmanath
#15
Symbol: Vajra (Thunderbolt)
Parents: Bhanu & Suvrita
Birthplace: Ratnapuri
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
16. Shantinath
#16
Symbol: Deer
Parents: Visvasena & Achira
Birthplace: Hastinapur
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
17. Kunthunath
#17
Symbol: Goat
Parents: Suryasen & Srirani
Birthplace: Hastinapur
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
18. Arahnath
#18
Symbol: Fish (Nandyavarta)
Parents: Sudarshana & Mitrasena
Birthplace: Hastinapur
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
19. Mallinath
#19
Symbol: Kalash (Jar)
Parents: Kumbharaja & Prabhavati
Birthplace: Mithila
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
20. Munisuvrata
#20
Symbol: Tortoise
Parents: Sumitra & Padmavati
Birthplace: Rajgriha
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
21. Naminath
#21
Symbol: Blue Lotus
Parents: Vijaya & Vipra
Birthplace: Mithila
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
22. Neminath
#22
Symbol: Conch (Shankh)
Parents: Samudravijaya & Shiva
Birthplace: Sauripura
Moksha: Mount Girnar
23. Parshvanath
#23
Symbol: Snake
Parents: Ashvasena & Vama
Birthplace: Varanasi
Moksha: Sammed Shikharji
24. Mahavira
#24
Symbol: Lion
Parents: Siddhartha & Trishala
Birthplace: Kundalpur
Moksha: Pavapuri

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the 24 Tirthankaras.

"Tirthankara" means "Ford-Maker" (Tirtha-Karana). They are the supreme spiritual teachers who create a ford (path) across the ocean of endless rebirths (Samsara) for others to cross and attain liberation.

The first Tirthankara was **Lord Rishabhanatha** (also known as Adinath). He is considered the founder of civilization, teaching agriculture, writing, and the arts, alongside the spiritual path.

Twenty out of the twenty-four Tirthankaras attained Nirvana (Moksha) at **Sammed Shikharji** (Parasnath Hill) in Jharkhand, making it one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Jainism.

Since Tirthankara idols are identical in posture and form (symbolizing their detachment and equality), unique symbols (Lanchhana) like the Bull, Lion, or Snake are engraved at the base of the statue to help devotees identify them.