List of Jain Tirthankaras

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that teaches spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence to all living creatures. The aim of Jain life is to achieve the liberation of the soul.

Who is a Tirthankara?

Tirthankara’s are the savior and spiritual teacher of the Jain dharma. ‘Tirthankara’ in Sanskrit means "Ford-maker" and also known as Jina that is "Victor". According to Jain scripture, a Tirthankara is a rare individual who has conquered the samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth, on their own, and made a path for others to follow.

They are also called Arihantas, Jinas, Kevalis, and Vitrage. Arihant means "destroyer of inner enemies," Jina means "victor of inner enemies," and vitrage means "one who does not have any more attachment or hatred towards anyone." This means that they are entirely detached from worldly aspects. They have destroyed the four Ghatiya karmas, namely Gyanavarniya karma(knowledge-obscuring karma), Darshanavarniya Karma (perception-obscuring karma), Mohniya Karma (deluding karma), and Antaraya Karma (obstacle-creating karma).

Heterodox Schools of Indian Philosophy

Jains celebrate five major events in the life of a Tirthankara. They are called Kalyanak (auspicious events). They are:

1. Garbha Kalyanak: This is the event when the Tirthankar's soul departs from its last life and is conceived in the mother’s womb.

2. Janma Kalyanak: This is the event when the Tirthankar's soul is born.

3. Diksha Kalyanak: This is the event when the Tirthankar's soul gives up all his/her worldly possessions and becomes a monk/nun. (Digambar sect does not believe that women can become Tirthankar or be liberated.)

4. Kevalgyan Kalyanak: This is an event when Tirthankar’s soul destroys the four Ghatiya karmas completely and attains the Kevaljnana (absolute knowledge). Celestial angels set Samavsaran for Tirthankars from where he/she delivers the first sermon. This is the most important event for the entire Jain order as the Tirthankar reinstates Jain Sangh and preaches the Jain path of purification and liberation.

5. Nirvana Kalyanak: This event is when a Tirthankar’s soul is liberated from this worldly physical existence forever and becomes a Siddha. On this day, the Tirthankar’s soul destroys the four Aghati karmas completely and attains salvation, the state of eternal bliss.

Six Philosophical Systems or Shada Darsana of India

List of Jain Tirthankara

There are 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism. The first Tirthankara was Rishabhdev and the last one was Mahavira.

According to the Jainism scriptures, the philosophy of Jainism was formalized by the last Tirthankaras, i.e. Vardhaman Mahavir. Later, the philosophy of Jainism was forwarded by their chief disciples known as ‘Ganadharas’. The role of Ganadharas and Aacharyas can be understood from the fact that Jain scriptures are all composed by the Ganadharas and Acharyas and not by the Tirthankaras.

Jainism: Teaching of Mahavira | Spread of Jainism