In Jainism, Tirthankaras are known as the Jina, signifying their mastery over all instincts. The tradition recognizes 24 Tirthankaras in total. The term “Tirthankara” originates from the fusion of “Teertha,” representing pilgrimage sites, and “Samsara,” denoting worldly existence. A Tirthankara has transcended the cycle of worldly life, comprehending the true essence of the self to achieve Kevala Jnana, or omniscience. For aspirants preparing for the IAS Exam in history, familiarity with the names and pertinent details of these 24 Tirthankaras is essential.
In Jainism, a Tirthankar is known as a “teaching god” or a “Ford Maker.” Key points of discussion regarding Tirthankaras include:
The 24 Tirthankaras have incarnated and imparted the teachings of Dharma (Righteousness) over millennia. Each Tirthankara is associated with a significant symbol, adding to their profound significance.
The current cosmic age list is mentioned below with its symbols, birthplace, and color.
Sl. No. | Tirthankara Name | Symbol | Birthplace | Colour |
1 | Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) | Bull | Ayodhya | Golden |
2 | Ajitanatha | Elephant | Ayodhya | Golden |
3 | Sambhavanatha | Horse | Shravasti | Golden |
4 | Abhinandananatha | Monkey | Samet Sikhar | Golden |
5 | Sumatinatha | Heron | Ayodhya | Golden |
6 | Padmaprabha | Padma | Samet Sikhar | Red |
7 | Suparshvanatha | Swastika | Samet Sikhar | Golden |
8 | Chandraprabha | Crescent Moon | Chandrapuri | White |
9 | Pushpadanta | Crocodile | Kakandi | White |
10 | Shitalanatha | Shrivatsa | Bhadrak Puri | Golden |
11 | Shreyanasanatha | Rhinoceros | Samet Sikhar | Golden |
12 | Vasupujya | Buffalo | Champapuri | Red |
13 | Vimalanatha | Boar | Kampilya | Golden |
14 | Anantanatha | Falcon | Ayodhya | Golden |
15 | Dharmanatha | Vajra | Ratnapuri | Golden |
16 | Shantinatha | Antelope or deer | Hastinapur | Golden |
17 | Kunthunatha | Goat | Hastinapur | Golden |
18 | Aranatha | Nandyavarta or fish | Hastinapur | Golden |
19 | Māllīnātha | Kalasha | Mithila | Blue |
20 | Munisuvrata | Tortoise | Kusagranagar | Black |
21 | Naminatha | Blue lotus | Mithila | Golden |
22 | Neminatha | Shankha | Dvaraka | Black |
23 | Parshvanatha | Snake | Kashi | Blue |
24 | Mahavira | Lion | Kshatriyakund | Golden |
In Jainism, the upcoming cosmic age is termed Utsarpiṇī, signifying an ascending half-cycle. It is prophesied that 24 Tīrthaṅkaras will manifest during this period. The names of these 24 Tīrthaṅkaras in the next cosmic age are listed below:
Sl. No. | Tīrthaṅkara | Previous Human Birth |
1 | Rishabhanatha | Nabhi Raja |
2 | Ajitanātha | Muni Suvrata |
3 | Sambhavanātha | King Jitāri |
4 | Abhinandananātha | King Samvaranaraja |
5 | Sumatinātha | King Megha |
6 | Padmaprabhā | King Vishvasena |
7 | Suparśvanātha | King Pratishtharaja |
8 | Candraprabhā | King Mahasena |
9 | Pushpadanta | King Sugriva |
10 | Śītalanātha | King Dridharatha |
11 | Śreyāṃsanātha | King Shubhanasa |
12 | Vāsupūjya | King Vasupujya |
13 | Vimala | King Chandra |
14 | Anantanātha | King Dharanendra |
15 | Dharmanātha | King Bhojaka |
16 | Śāntinātha | King Nami |
17 | Kunthunātha | King Vijaya |
18 | Aranātha | King Taara |
19 | Mallinātha | King Siddhartha |
20 | Neminātha | King Samudravijaya |
21 | Pārśvanātha | King Ashvasena |
22 | Mahāvīra | King Siddhartha |
23 | Nandi Vardhana | King Yasas |
24 | Mahābala | King Rishabha |
Candidates can read about the significance of Tirthankaras of Jainism are provided below:
Rishabhanatha was the first of Jainism's 24 Tirthankaras.
In Jainism, Tirthankara known as Jina or Victor, is a rescuer who has crossed over life's cycle of rebirths and paved the way for others to follow.
There are 24 Tirthankaras. Adinatha, Ajita, Sambhava, Abhinandana, Sumati, Padmaprabha, Suparshva, Chandraprabha, Suvidhi, Shital, Shreyansa, Vasupujya, Vimala, Ananta, Dharma, Shanti, Kunthu, Ara, Malli, Muni Suvrata, Nami, Nemi, Parshva, Mahavira are the 24 Tirthankara of Jainism.
Lord Mahavira is the most well-known of the Jains' Tirthankaras.
Mahavira was the final of the Tirthankaras to come.
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