Tirthankara of Jainism

Tirthankaras, revered figures in Jainism, are spiritual teachers who have attained enlightenment and guided followers on the path to liberation. The term “Tirthankara” translates as “ford maker”, symbolizing their role in helping souls cross the metaphorical river of worldly existence.

Jain tradition recognizes 24 Tirthankaras, the 24th being Lord Mahavira, considered the founder of today’s Jain community. The life of each Tirthankara is marked by deep spiritual realization, exemplary conduct, and teachings that illuminate the path to spiritual liberation (moksha)

Devotees worship the Tirthankaras for their guidance in practicing non-violence, truth, non-attachment, and other virtues. Temples and iconography often depict these revered figures in various positions, symbolizing their ascetic wanderings.

Tirthankaras stand as beacons of light in Jain philosophy, embodying the potential for each soul to attain enlightenment and break free from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Their timeless teachings continue to inspire and guide followers on the profound path of self-realization within Jainism.

Tirthankara of Jainism

Historical Facts	Tirthankara of Jainism
Rishabha	Brahma
Ajitnatha	Indra
Sambhavanatha	Agni
Abhinandananatha	Vishnu
Sumatinatha	Varuna
Padmaprabha	Yama
Suparshvanatha	Chandra
Chandraprabha	Mariachi
Pushpadanta	Kubera
Sheetalanatha	Rahu

Jain Tirthankara and their Symbol

Tirthankara	Symbol	Color	Symbolic Color
Rishabha	Bull	Golden	White
Ajitnath	Elephant	Red	Yellow
Sambhavanath	Horse	White	Golden
Abhinandannath	Monkey	Red	Golden
Sumatinath	Blue lotus	Black	Blue
Padmaprabha	Lotus	Red	Lotus color
Suparshvanath	Swastika	Golden	Golden
Chandraprabha	Crescent moon	White	Silver
Pushpadanta	Crocodile	Blue	Golden
Sheetalnath	Kalpavriksha	Golden	Red

Introduction

In Jainism, a Tirthankara is a savior and spiritual teacher of dharma (righteous path). The word tirthankara refers to the founder of tirtha, which is a fordable path across the sea of ​​endless births and deaths, samsara. According to Jains, Tirthankaras are the supreme preachers of the Dharma who have themselves defeated samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth, and created a path for others to follow. After understanding the true nature of the self or soul, the Tirthankara attains Kevala Jnana (omniscience). The Tirthankara provides a bridge for others to follow the new teacher from samsara to moksha (liberation).

Meaning of Tirthankaras

The word Tirthankara denotes the founder of a tirtha, which means a fordable path across the sea of ​​endless births and deaths (called samsara). Tirthankaras are variously called ‘Teaching Gods’, ‘Ford Makers’, ‘Crossing Makers, and ‘River Crossing Makers’.

Twenty-four Tirthankaras

In Jain cosmology, the wheel of time is divided into two halves, the Utsarpini or ascending time cycle, and the Avasarpini, descending time cycle (said to be current now). In each half of the cosmic time cycle, exactly twenty-four Tirthankaras adorn this part of the universe. There were an infinite number of tirthankaras in past periods. The first Tirthankara in this current time cycle (Hunda Avsarpini) was Rishabhanatha, who is credited with formulating and organizing people to live harmoniously in society. The 24th and last tirthankara of the current half-cycle was Mahavira Swami. History records the existence of Mahavira and his predecessor, Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara. The Tirthankara organizes the sangha, a fourfold order of male and female monks, sravakas (male followers), and sravikas (female followers).

Tirthankara Teachings

(1) Tirthankara teachings form the basis for the Jain canons. The inner knowledge of a Tirthankara is considered perfect and identical in every respect, and their teachings do not contradict each other. The degree of elaboration varies according to the spiritual progress and purity of the society during the period of their leadership. The higher the spiritual progress and purity of mind of the society, the lower the need for elaboration. While tirthankaras are documented and worshiped by Jains, their grace is said to be available to all living beings, regardless of religious orientation.

(2) Tirthankaras are arahants who preach true dharma after attaining Kevala jnana (pure infinite knowledge). An Arihant is also called a Jina (conqueror), who has defeated internal enemies such as anger, attachment, pride, and greed. They dwell exclusively in the realm of their soul and are completely devoid of kashayas, inner passions, and personal desires. As a result, unlimited siddhis or spiritual powers are readily available to them, which they use exclusively for the spiritual upliftment of living beings. Through darśana, divine vision, and deśna, divine speech, they help others attain Kevala jnana and moksha (ultimate liberation) for anyone who sincerely seeks it.

Tīrthaṅkara-naam-karma

Jain scriptures claim that a special type of karma, Tirthankara nama-karma, elevates the soul to the highest state of Tirthankara. The Tattvartha Sutra, a major Jain text, lists sixteen observances that lead to the bandha (slavery) of this karma:

• (i) purity of right faith,
• (ii) Respect,
• (iii) Keeping Promises and Supplemental Promises Without Breach.
• (iv) constant pursuit of knowledge.
• (v) Eternal fear of the cycle of existence.
• (vi) giving gifts (charity).
• (vii) practicing austerities according to one’s ability.
• (viii) Removal of obstacles that threaten the equanimity of ascetics.
• (ix) Serves meritorious warding off evil or suffering.
• (x) Devotion to omniscient masters, principal teachers, preceptors, and scriptures.
• (xi) practicing the six basic daily duties.
• (xii) spreading the teachings of the omniscient.
• (xiii) Fervent affection for his brothers who follow the same path.

Panch Kalyanaka of tirthankaras

Five auspicious events called Panch Kalyanaka mark the life of every Tirthankara.

(i) Garbha Kalyanaka (conception)

When the atman (soul) of a Tirthankara enters the womb of his mother.

(ii) Janma Kalyanaka (Birth)

Birth of a tirthankara. Indra performs a ceremonial bath on the Tirthankara on Mount Meru.

(iii) Tapa Kalyanaka (Renunciation)

When a tirthankara renounces all worldly possessions and becomes an ascetic.

(iv) Jnana Kalyanaka

The event when a Tirthankara attains Kevala jnana (infinite knowledge). A Samavasarana (divine preaching hall) is built from where he delivers sermons and then restores the sangha.

(v) Nirvana Kalyanaka (liberation)

When a Tirthankara leaves his mortal body, it is known as nirvana. He is followed by final liberation, moksha, after which his soul resides in Siddhashila.

samavasarana

After attaining Kevala jnana, the Tirthankara preaches the path to liberation in Samavasarana. According to Jain texts, the celestial pavilion is built by devas (celestial beings) where devas, humans, and animals gather to hear the Tirthankara. All men and animals hear the speech of the Tirthankara in their language. It is believed that no calamity will occur for miles around the place during this speech.

Tīrthaṅkaras of the present cosmic age

(1) Jainism assumes that time has neither beginning nor end. It moves like a cartwheel. The wheel of time is divided into two halves, Utsarpini (ascending half-cycle) and Avasarpini (descending half-cycle). 24 tirthankaras are born in each half of this cycle. In Jain tradition, tirthankaras were royal in their last life, and Jain texts record details of their previous lives. Their clan and families are also among those recorded in legendary stories. Jain canons state that Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, founded the Ikshvaku dynasty, from which 21 other Tirthankaras also emerged in time. Two Tirthankaras—Munisuvrata, the 20th, and Neminatha, the 22nd—belonged to the Harivamsa dynasty.

(2) In the Jain tradition, 20 Tirthankaras attained moksha on Mount Shikharji, in the present-day Indian state of Jharkhand. Rishabhanatha attained nirvana at Mount Ashtāpada (Mount Kailash), Vasupujya at Champapuri, Bihar, Neminatha at Mount Girnar, Gujarat, and Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, at Pawapuri, near modern Patna. 21 of the Tirthankaras are said to have attained moksha in the Kayotsarga (standing meditation position), while Rishabhanatha, Neminatha, and Mahavira are said to have attained moksha in the padmasana (lotus position).

List of Tirthankaras

In chronological order below are the names, emblems, and colors of 24 Tirthankaras of this age:

(1) Rishabhanatha or Adinath (Lord Bull/Lord First)

The symbol of Rishabhanatha is a bull, and the color is gold. Rishabhanatha is the first Tirthankara (supreme preacher) of Jainism and the founder of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Rishabhanatha is also known as Adinatha, Adishwara, Yugadeva, and Nabhya. Rishabhanatha is considered the founder of Jainism in the current Avsarpini (time cycle) by several Jain sub-traditions. Jains say that because Rishabhanatha was the first, people did not know how to serve food to a monk.

(2) Ajith (Invincible)

The symbol of Ajitanath is an elephant, and the color is gold. According to Jainism, Ajitanath was the second Tirthankara of the current era, the Avasarpini (half-time cycle). In the Ikshvaku dynasty, he was born in Ayodhya to King Jitashatru and Queen Vijaya. He was a free spirit who destroyed all his karma. Sagara, who became the second Chakravartin, is mentioned in both Hindu and Jain texts.

(3) Shambhava (auspicious)

The symbol of Sambhavanatha is a horse, and the color is gold. Sambhavanatha was the third Jain Tirthankara (omniscient teaching god) at this time (Avasarpini). Sambhavanatha was born in Sravasti to King Jitari and Queen Susena. His birthday fell on the fourteenth day of the month of Margshrsha Shukla in the Indian calendar. Sambhavanatha, like all arahants (omniscient beings), attained moksha at the end of his existence by destroying all associated karmas (liberation).

(4) Abhinandana (Worship)

The symbol of Abhinandananatha is a monkey, and the color is gold. Abhinandananatha, also known as Abhinandana Swami, was the fourth Tirthankara of the modern era (Avasarpini). He reportedly lived on a 50-lakh Purva. He was born in Ayodhya to King Sanvara and Queen Siddhartha of the Ikshvaku dynasty. He became a Siddha, a liberated soul who, according to Jain teachings, destroyed all his karma.

(5) Sumati (The Wise)

The symbol of Sumatinatha is a heron, and the color is gold. Sumatinatha was currently (Avasarpini) the fifth Jain Tirthankara. Sumatinatha was born in Ayodhya during the Ikshvaku dynasty to the Kshatriya King Megha (Megharatha) and Queen Mangalavati (Sumangalavati). He attained Kevala Jnana under the sala, or praying tree. He has attained the status of a Siddha, a liberated soul who has destroyed all his karma.

(6) Padmaprabha (Lotus-Bright)

The symbol of Padmaprabha is a lotus, and the color is red. Padmaprabha, also known as Padmaprabhu, was the sixth Jain Tirthankara (Avsarpini) of the present age. He became a Siddha, a liberated soul who, according to Jain teachings, destroyed all his karma. Padmaprabha is said to have been born in the Ikshvaku dynasty at Kaushambi to King Shridhara and Queen Sushma Devi. He was a humble, pious man. Hearing Arihanta’s speech, he became detached and sought diksha from Acharya Pihitashrava.

(7) Suparshva (good)

The symbol of Suparshvanatha is a swastika, and the color is gold. Suparshvanatha, commonly known as Suparsva, was the sixth Jain Trthankara at this time. 12. Jyeshtha Shukla was born in Varanasi to King Pratistha and Queen Prithvi of the Ikshvaku dynasty. On the sixth day of the dark half of the month of Phalguna, he is said to have attained moksha at Shikharja.

(8) Chandraprabha (bright moon)

The symbol of Chandraprabha is the moon, and the color is white. Chandraprabha was the ninth Tirthankara of Avasarpini in Jainism (the current half-cycle of time according to Jain cosmology). Chandraprabhu was born to King Mahasena and Queen Lakshmana Devi of the Ikshvaku dynasty in Chandrapuri. According to Jain traditions, he was born on the twelfth day of the month of Posh Krishna in the Indian calendar. He is considered to have attained the state of Siddha, or pure spirit or emancipated soul.

(9) Suvidi/Pushpadanta (religious duties/blossomed tooth)

Pushpadanta’s symbol is a dolphin or sea dragon, and the color is white. Pushpadanta, also known as Suvidhinath, was the ninth Tirthankara of the present age in Jainism. He became a Siddha and an Arihant, a liberated soul who, according to Jain theology, destroyed all her karma. In the tradition started by Rishabhanatha, he restored the fourfold sangha.

(10) Shitala (Coolness)

The symbol of Shitalanatha is Shrivatsa, and the color is gold. According to Jainism, Shitalanatha was the tenth Tirthankara of the present age. He became a Siddha, a liberated soul who, according to Jain teachings, destroyed all his karma. Shitalanatha, according to the Jains, was born in Bhadrapur to King Dradhrath and Queen Nanda of the Ikshvaku dynasty.

(11) Shreyamsha (good)

Shreyansnath’s symbol is a rhinoceros, and the color is gold. Shreyansnath was the 11th Tirthankara of the present Avarspini era of Jainism. Singhpur (Sarnath) is his birthplace, and Nirvana Than is known as Sammedshikhar. According to Jainism, the first Baldev named Achal, the first Vasudev named Tripijha, and the first Prativasudev named Ashwagriva were born during the Shreyansnath era.

(12) Vasupujya (Worship with the offering of property)

The symbol of Vasupujya is the buffalo, and the color is red. Vasupujya was Avasarpini’s twelfth Tirthankara in Jainism. He became a Siddha, a liberated soul who, according to Jain teachings, destroyed all his karma. Vasupujya was born in Champapuri, India, to King Vasupujya and Queen Jaya Devi during the Ikshvaku dynasty. His birthday fell on the fourteenth day of the month of Falgun in the Indian calendar. He never married and lived a celibate life. During one month of Tapasya and Moksha in Champapuri, Bihar, India, he received Kevala Jnana.

(13) Vimala (Bright)

The symbol of Vimalanatha is a boar, and the color is gold. Vimalanatha is currently the thirteenth Jain Tirthankara. He became a Siddha, a liberated soul who, according to Jain teachings, destroyed all his karma. Vimalanatha was born in Kampala, Ikshvaku dynasty, to King Kratavarma and Queen Shyamadevi. His birthday fell on the third day of the month of Magh Sukla in the Indian calendar.

(14) Ananta (Endless)

The symbol of Anantanatha is a hawk or bear, and the color is gold. Anantanatha was the fourteenth Tirthankara of the present era of Jainism. He became a Siddha, a liberated soul who, according to Jain teachings, destroyed all his karma. Anantanatha was born in Ayodhya during the Ikshvaku dynasty to King Sinhasena and Queen Suyasha.

(15) Dharma (Duty)

The symbol of Dharmanatha is a thunderbolt, and the color is gold. Dharmanatha was the fifteenth Jain Tirthankara of the present age. He became a Siddha, a liberated soul who, according to Jain teachings, destroyed all his karma. Dharmanath was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty to King Bhanu Raja and Queen Suvrata Rani in Ratnapuri. The Hutheesing Jain Temple, built in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 1848 AD, is dedicated to him.

(16) Shanti (Peace)

The symbol of Shantinath is an antelope or deer, and the color is gold. Shantinatha was the sixteenth Jain Tirthankar. Shantinatha was born in Hastinapur during the Ikshvaku dynasty to King Vishvasena and Queen Aiira. He was Chakravartin as well as Kamadeva. He came to the throne at the age of 25. He became a Jain monk and began his penance after nearly 25,000 years on the throne. He became a Siddha, a liberated soul who, according to Jain teachings, destroyed all his karma.

(17) Kunthu (Heap of gems)

The Kunthunath symbol is goat, and the color is gold. Kunthunath was the seventeenth Tirthankara, seventh Chakravartin, and twelfth Kamadeva of the current Avasarpini half-time cycle. He became a Siddha, a liberated soul who, according to Jain teachings, destroyed all his karma. Kunthunatha was born in Hastinapur to King Surya (Sura) and Queen Shridevi of the Ikshvaku dynasty.

(18) Ara (Division of Time)

The symbol of Aranath is Nandyavarta or fish, and the color is gold. Aranath was the eighteenth Jain Tirthankar of the present time cycle. Moreover, the eighth was Chakravartin, and the thirteenth was Kamadeva. He attained the state of Siddha, or liberated soul, having destroyed all his karmas.

(19) Malli (wrestler)

Mallinatha is a water jug ​​symbol and the color is blue. Mallinatha was the 19th Tirthankara “Ford Maker” of the contemporary Avasarpini period of Jainism. According to Jain traditions, Mallitha was born in Mithila to King Kumbha and Queen Prajnavati of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Trthakara Mallintha lived nearly 56,000 years, of which 54,800 were spent in omniscience (Kevala Jnana).

(20) Suvrata or Munisuvrata (Vow of the good)

The symbol of Munisuvrat Nath is a tortoise, and the color is black. In Jain cosmology, Munisuvrat Nath was the twentieth Tirthankara of the current half-time cycle. He attained the status of a Siddha, a liberated soul who destroyed all his karma. The events of the Jaina Ramayana take place during the reign of Munisuvrat Nath. Munisuvratanatha was alive for more than 30,000 years. Malli Svmi was his primary apostle (Gandhara).

(21) Nami or Nimin (bowing/blinking eyes)

The symbol of Naminatha is a blue lotus, and the color is gold. Naminatha was the twenty-first Tirthankara in Avsarpini’s current half-time cycle. He was born to King Vijaya and Queen Vipra of the Ikshvaku dynasty. At that time, Mithila was ruled by King Vijaya. Naminatha lived for ten thousand years. Mithila was besieged by a group of great rulers when Naminatha was in his mother’s womb. Naminatha’s aura forced all the kingdoms to submit to King Vijaya.

(22) Nemi or Arishtanemi (The rim of whose wheel is uninjured)

The symbol of Neminatha is a shell, and the color is black. Neminatha, also known as Nemi and Arishtanemi, is the Jain twenty-second tirthankara (forge maker). Neminatha, along with Mahavira, Parshvanatha, and Rishabhanatha, is one of the twenty-four Tirthankaras who receive the greatest reverence among Jains.

(23) Parshvanath (Lord Serpent)

The Parshvanath symbol is a snake, and the color is green. Parshvanatha, also known as Parshvaand Parasnath, was the 23rd of the 24 tirthankaras (creators or spreaders of dharma) of Jainism.

He is the only Tirthankara who received the title of Kalikalkalpataru. He is one of the first Tirthankars to be recognized as a historical figure.

He was the first recorded proponent of the philosophy of karma. According to Jain’s accounts, he lived between the 9th and 8th centuries BC.

(24) Vardhamana Mahavira

The symbol of the prosperous great hero Mahavira is a lion, and the color is gold. Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th Tirthankara (supreme preacher) of Jainism. He was the spiritual successor of Tirthankara Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara. Mahavira was born in ancient India in the early 6th century BCE into a noble Kshatriya household. For twelve and a half years, Mahavira underwent intense meditation and severe austerities before attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience).

Important Tirthankaras of Jainism

The 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism were supposed to be ordinary soul born as a human and attained the status of a Tirthankara after intense practices of self-discipline, stillness, and meditation. Below are some critical facts about the most respected Tirthankars.

(1) First Tirthankara of Jainism, Rishabhnath

The first Tirthankara of Jainism, Rishabhnath, is believed to have existed even before the beginning of the Indus Valley Civilization. Lord Vishnu is another name given to the 1st Jain Tirthankar in the Bhagavata Purana. Rishabhnath is also mentioned in the Vedas. This Tirthankara of Jainism had several sons, including Bahubali and Bharat, and the tallest statue in the world, the Gomateshwara Statue (Karnataka), is dedicated to Bahubali. Rishabhnath’s script name is defined as Brahmi, which is believed to be retained by inspiration from his daughter’s name.

(2) 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism Parsvanath

The 23rd Tirthankara was known as Parsvanath. He is understood to have lived about two centuries earlier than Vardhamana Mahavira. Parsvanath introduced the religion of Jainism, which was subsequently restored by Mahavira. His birthplace was in Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, near 817 BC.

He reached Kaivalya in Jharkhand above Mount Sammeta (Parasnath). The tallest statue of Parsvanath is discovered in Navagraha Jain Temple (Karnataka). Parsvnath laid down fourfold restrictions according to the Svetambaras, or white-robed sect of Jainism; they were: Asteya, Satya, Ahimsa, Aparigraha, Mahavira including Brahmacharya.

24th Tirthankara of Jainism Mahavira

The names of 24 Tirthankaras in the Jain religion are Mahavira, Siddhartha, and the son of Trishla. Born in Bihar, India, he was the contemporary of Gautam Buddha. At the age of 30, he left his worldly occupations and desired an austere life, leading to Kevale Gnan.

He reached Kaivalya under the sal bush. 24. Jain Tirthankar attained Nirvana at Pavapuri in Bihar. The main teachings of Mahavira include Ahimsa, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha, Asetya, and Satya.

Iconography of Tirthankaras

(1) The Tirthankara is depicted either seated in the lotus position (Padmasana) or standing in the Khadgamala meditation position (Kayotsarga). This latter, which is similar to a military standing at attention, is difficult to maintain for long periods and is preferred by Jains because it minimizes the amount of body in contact with the ground and thus poses a risk to sentient beings living in or on it. If seated, they are usually depicted seated with their legs crossed in front, the toes of one foot resting closely on the knee of the other, and the right hand resting over the left in the lap.

(2) Tirthankara images do not have distinctive facial features, clothing, or (mostly) hairstyles and are distinguished by the symbol or emblem (Lanchana) belonging to each Tirthankara except Parshvanatha. Parshvanath statues have snake crowns on their head. The first Tirthankara Rishabha can be identified by the locks of hair falling on his shoulders. Sometimes Suparshvanath is depicted with a small snake hood. The symbols are marked in the center or corner of the statue’s base. The Digambara and Svetambara sects of Jainism have different depictions of idols. Digambara Jainism images are naked without any adornment, while Svetambara Jainism images are clothed and decorated with temporary ornaments. Images are often marked with Srivatsa on the chest and Tilaka on the forehead. Srivatsa is one of the Ashtamangala (auspicious symbols), which sometimes resembles a fleur-de-lis, an endless knot, a flower, or a diamond-shaped symbol.

(3) The bodies of tirthankara statues are remarkably consistent over more than 2,000 years of historical records. The bodies are rather slender, with very broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Even more than is usual in Indian sculpture, the depiction is relatively uninterested in accurately depicting the underlying musculature and bones but is interested in modeling the outer surfaces as broad swelling forms. The ears are extremely elongated, hinting at the heavy earrings the characters wore in their early lives before they embarked on the path to enlightenment when most of them were rich if not royalty.

(4) Statues with four Tirthankaras, or their heads, facing the four directions are not uncommon in early sculpture, but unlike comparable Hindu images, they represent four different Tirthankaras, not four aspects of the same deity. Images of Tirthankaras avoid many other arms, although their attendants or guardians may have them.

Tirthankara In other religions

The first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, is mentioned in Hindu texts such as the Rigveda, Vishnu Purana, and Bhagavata Purana. The Yajur Veda mentions the names of three Tīrthaṅkaras: Rishabha, Ajitnath, and Aristanemi. The Bhagavata Purana includes legends about the Tirthankaras of Jainism, especially Rishabha. Champat Rai Jain, a 20th-century Jain writer, claimed that the “four and twenty elders” mentioned in the Book of Revelation (the last book of the Christian Bible) are the “twenty-four Tirthankaras.”.

Conclusion

Jainism is an ancient religion based on a philosophy that provides all sentient beings with a path to liberation, spiritual purity, and enlightenment through disciplined non-violence. Lord Mahavira’s defense of the faith helped Jainism gain prominence in the sixth century BCE. In Jainism, Tirthankaras are known as Jina, meaning “vanquishers of all impulses.” There are 24 Tirthankaras in total. A Tirthankara is a Jain savior and teacher of spiritual dharma (the righteous path).

(FAQ) Questions and Answers about the Tirthankara of Jainism