WHO ARE TIRTHANKARA'S?

 

A Tirthankara, in Jainism, is a spiritual teacher who has achieved liberation and enlightenment through intense spiritual practice and self-discipline. The term “Tirthankara” literally means “ford-maker” or “crossing-maker,” signifying one who has created a path across the river of human misery and spiritual bondage. Tirthankaras are revered as role models for their followers, demonstrating how to overcome the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and attain moksha (liberation).The 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism are revered spiritual teachers who have achieved liberation and enlightenment. They are considered role models for their followers. Here is a list of the 24 Tirthankaras along with brief descriptions:

  1. Rishabhanatha (Adinatha)

    • Symbol: Bull
    • First Tirthankara, regarded as the founder of Jainism.

  2. Ajitanatha

    • Symbol: Elephant
    • Second Tirthankara, born in Ayodhya.

  3. Sambhavanatha

    • Symbol: Horse
    • Third Tirthankara, known for his non-violence and compassion.

  4. Abhinandananatha

    • Symbol: Monkey
    • Fourth Tirthankara, known for his peaceful nature.

  5. Sumatinatha

    • Symbol: Curlew (Goose)
    • Fifth Tirthankara, known for his wisdom and clear understanding.

  6. Padmaprabha

    • Symbol: Lotus
    • Sixth Tirthankara, symbolizing purity and beauty.

  7. Suparshvanatha

    • Symbol: Swastika
    • Seventh Tirthankara, known for his teachings on righteousness.

  8. Chandraprabha

    • Symbol: Crescent Moon
    • Eighth Tirthankara, symbolizing clarity and calmness.

  9. Suvidhinatha (Pushpadanta)

    • Symbol: Crocodile
    • Ninth Tirthankara, known for his virtuous conduct.

  10. Shitalanatha

    • Symbol: Shrivatsa
    • Tenth Tirthankara, known for his calm and composed nature.

  11. Shreyansanatha

    • Symbol: Rhinoceros
    • Eleventh Tirthankara, known for his leadership qualities.

  12. Vasupujya

    • Symbol: Buffalo
    • Twelfth Tirthankara, revered for his humility and devotion.

  13. Vimalanatha

    • Symbol: Boar
    • Thirteenth Tirthankara, symbolizing purity and clarity of mind.

  14. Anantanatha

    • Symbol: Bear
    • Fourteenth Tirthankara, known for his teachings on eternal truth.

  15. Dharmanatha

    • Symbol: Thunderbolt
    • Fifteenth Tirthankara, known for his adherence to religious duty.

  16. Shantinatha

    • Symbol: Deer
    • Sixteenth Tirthankara, known for his teachings on peace and tranquility.

  17. Kunthunatha

    • Symbol: Goat
    • Seventeenth Tirthankara, revered for his steadfastness.

  18. Aranatha

    • Symbol: Nandavarta (complex geometric figure)
    • Eighteenth Tirthankara, known for his profound knowledge.

  19. Mallinatha

    • Symbol: Waterpot
    • Nineteenth Tirthankara, known for his virtues and spiritual discipline.

  20. Munisuvratanatha

    • Symbol: Tortoise
    • Twentieth Tirthankara, revered for his ascetic practices.

  21. Naminatha

    • Symbol: Blue Lotus
    • Twenty-first Tirthankara, known for his compassion and kindness.

  22. Neminatha

    • Symbol: Conch
    • Twenty-second Tirthankara, known for his renunciation and wisdom.

  23. Parshvanatha

    • Symbol: Snake
    • Twenty-third Tirthankara, historical figure known for his teachings on the four restraints: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, and non-possession.

  24. Mahavira (Vardhamana)

    • Symbol: Lion
    • Twenty-fourth Tirthankara, the most famous and last Tirthankara, who revitalized Jainism. Born in 599 BCE, Mahavira taught the path of non-violence, truth, and asceticism.

Each Tirthankara played a crucial role in shaping the philosophy and practices of Jainism, emphasizing non-violence, truth, and self-discipline. Their teachings continue to inspire millions of Jains around the world.