This article lists, in chronological order, the names, signs, colors etc. of the 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism. [1] [2] [3] [4]
S.No. | Tirthankara | Image | Heaven before birth | Birthplace; Consecration | Parents | Complexion | Symbol | Height | Number of Years Lived | Tree | Attendant spirits | Male disciple; Female disciple | Place of Nirvana | Birth |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Rishabhanatha | Sarvarthasiddha | Ayodhya; Kailash | Nabhi by Marudevi | Golden | Bull | 1,500 meters | 592.704 quintillion years | Vata (Ficus benghalensis) | Gomukha and Chakreshvari | Pundarika; Brahmi | Ashtaapad | 10224 years ago | |
2 | Ajitanatha | Vijayavimana | Ayodhya; Shikharji | Jitashatru by Vijaya | Golden | Elephant | 1,350 meters | 508.032 quintillion years | Shala (Shorea robusta) | Mahayaksha and Ajitabala; or Rohini | Simhasena; Phalgu | Shikharji | 5 x 10223 years ago | |
3 | Sambhavanatha | Uvarimagraiveka | Shravasti; Shikharji | Jitari by Sena | Golden | Horse | 1,200 meters | 423.36 quintillion years | Prayala (Buchanania cochinchinensis) | Trimukha and Duritari; or Prajnapti | Charu; Shyama | Shikharji | 2 x 10223 years ago | |
4 | Abhinandananatha | Jayantavimana | Ayodhya; Shikharji | Samvara by Siddhartha | Golden | Monkey | 1,050 meters | 352.8 quintillion years | Priyangu ( Setaria italica , sometimes known as Panicum italicum) | Nayaka and Kalika; or Yaksheshvara and Vajrashrinkhala | Vajranabha; Ajita | Shikharji | 10223 years ago | |
5 | Sumatinatha | Jayantavimana | Ayodhya; Shikharji | Megharatha by Mangala | Golden | Goose | 900 meters | 282.24 quintillion years | Shala (Shorea robusta) | Tumburu and Mahakali; or Purushadatta | Charama; Kashyapi | Shikharji | 10222 years ago | |
6 | Padmaprabhu | Uvarimagraiveka | Kaushambi; Shikharji | Shridhara by Susima | Red | Lotus | 750 meters | 211.68 quintillion years | Chhatra | Kusuma and Shyama; or Manovega or Manogupti | Pradyotana; Rati | Shikharji | 10221 years ago | |
7 | Suparshvanath | Madhyamagraiveka | Varanasi; Shikharji | Supratishtha by Prithvi | Golden | Swastika | 600 meters | 141.12 quintillion years | Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck) | Matanga and Shanta; or Varanandi and Kali | Vidarbha; Soma | Shikharji | 10220 years ago | |
8 | Chandraprabhu | Vijayantadevaloka | Chandrawati or Chandrapura; Sammed Shikharji | Mahasena by Lakshmana | White | Crescent Moon | 450 meters | 70.56 quintillion years | Naga | Vijaya and Bhrikuti; or Shyama or Vijaya and Jvalamalini | Dinna; Sumana | Shikharji | 10219 years ago | |
9 | Suvidhinath | Anatadevaloka | Kakandi; Shikharji | Sugriva by Rama | White | Crocodile | 300 meters | 14.112 quintillion years | Shala (Shorea robusta) | Ajita and Sutaraka; or Mahakali | Varahaka; Varuni | Shikharji | 10218 years ago | |
10 | Shitalnath | Achyutadevaloka | Bhaddilapura; Shikharji | Dridharatha by Nanda | Golden | Kalpavriksha | 270 meters | 7.056 quintillion years | Priyangu ( Setaria italica , a.k.a.Panicum italicum) | Brahma and Ashoka; or Manavi | Nanda; Suyasha | Shikharji | 10217 years ago | |
11 | Shreyansnath | Achyutadevaloka | Simhapuri; Shikharji | Vishnuraja by Vishnu | Golden | Rhinoceros | 240 meters | 8.4 million years | Tanduka | Yaksheta and Manavi; or Ishvara and Gauri | Kashyapa; Dharani | Shikharji | 10212 years ago | |
12 | Vasupujya Swami | Pranatadevaloka | Champapuri; Champapuri | Vasupujya by Jaya | Red | Buffalo | 210 meters | 7.2 million years | Patala (Bignonia suaveolens) | Kumara and Chandra; or Gandhari | Subhuma; Dharani | Champapuri | 4 x 10211 years ago | |
13 | Vimalnath | Mahasaradevaloka | Kampilyapura; Shikharji | Kritavarma by Shyama | Golden | Boar | 180 meters | 6 million years | Jambu (Eugenia jambolana) | Shanmukha and Vidita; or Vairoti) | Mandara; Dhara | Shikharji | 1.6 x 10211 years ago | |
14 | Anantnath | Pranatadevaloka | Ayodhya; Shikharji | Simhasena by Suyasha | Golden | Porcupine | 150 meters | 3 million years | Ashoka (Saraca asoca) | Patala and Ankusha; or Anantamati | Yasha; Padma | Shikharji | 7 x 10210 years ago | |
15 | Dharmanath | Vijayavimana | Ratnapuri; Shikharji | Bhanu by Suvrata | Golden | Vajra | 135 meters | 1 million years | Dadhiparna (Clitoria ternatea) | Kinnara and Kandarpa; or Manasi | Arishta; Arthashiva | Sammed Shikharji | 3 x 10210 years ago | |
16 | Shantinath | Sarvarthasiddha | Gajapura or Hastinapuri; Shikharji | Vishvasena by Achira | Golden | Deer | 120 meters | 100,000 years | Nandi (Cedrela toona) | Garuda and Nirvani; or Kimpurusha and Mahamanasi | Chakrayuddha; Shuchi | Shikharji | 10194 years ago | |
17 | Kunthunath | Sarvarthasiddha | Gajapura or Hastinapuri; Shikharji | Suraraja by Shridevi | Golden | Goat | 105 meters | 95,000 years | Vata (Ficus benghalensis) | Gandharva and Bala; or Vijaya | Samba; Damini | Sammed Shikharji | 10194 years ago | |
18 | Aranath | Sarvarthasiddha | Gajapura or Hastinapuri; Shikharji | Sudarshana by Devi | Golden | Fish | 90 meters | 84,000 years | Amba (Mangifera indica) | Yaksheta and Dhana; or Kendra and Ajita | Kumbha; Rakshita | Shikharji | 16,585,000 BCE | |
19 | Mallinath | Jayantadevaloka | Mithila; Shikharji | Kumbharaja by Prabhavati | Blue | Kalasha | 75 meters | 55,000 years | Ashoka (Saraca asoca) | Kubera and Dharanapriya; or Aparajita | Abhikshaka; Bandhumati | Shikharji | 6,584,980 BCE | |
20 | Munisuvrat | Aparajitadevaloka | Rajagriha; Shikharji | Sumitraraja by Padmavati | Black | Tortoise | 60 meters | 30,000 years | Champaka (Magnolia champaca) | Varuna and Naradatta; or Bahurupini | Malli; Pushpavati | Shikharji | 1,184,980 BCE | |
21 | Naminatha | Pranatadevaloka | Mithila; Sammed Shikharji | Vijayaraja by Vapra | Golden | Blue Water Lily | 45 meters | 10,000 years | Bakula (Mimusops elengi) | Bhrikuti and Gandhari; or Chamundi | Shubha; Anila | Shikharji | 584,979 BCE | |
22 | Neminath | Aparajitadevaloka | Sauripura; Girnar | Samudravijaya by Shivadevi | Black | Shankha | 30 meters | 1,000 years | Vetasa | Gomedha and Ambika; or Sarvahna and Kushmandini | Varadatta; Yakshadinna | Girnar | 84,000 years ago | |
23 | Parshvanath | Pranatadevaloka | Varanasi; Sammed Shikharji | Ashvasena by Vamadevi | Green | Snake | 13.5 feet | 100 years | Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) | Parshvayaksha or Dharanendra and Padmavati | Aryadinna; Pushpachuda | Shikharji | 872 BCE | |
24 | Mahaveer Swami | Pranatadevaloka | Kshatriyakund; Pavapuri | Siddhartharaja and Trishala | Golden | Lion | 6 feet | 72 years | Teak (Tectona grandis) | Matanga and Siddhayika | Indrabhuti; Chandanabala | Pavapuri | 599 BCE |
The total length of the lifespans of all 24 Tīrthaṅkaras combined equals 2.603672 sextillion years.
Jainism, also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religion. Jainism traces its spiritual ideas and history through the succession of twenty-four tirthankaras, with the first in the current time cycle being Rishabhadeva, whom the tradition holds to have lived millions of years ago, the twenty-third tirthankara Parshvanatha, whom historians date to the 9th century BCE, and the twenty-fourth tirthankara Mahavira, around 600 BCE. Jainism is considered an eternal dharma with the tirthankaras guiding every time cycle of the cosmology. Central to understanding Jain philosophy is the concept of bhedvigyān, or the clear distinction in the nature of the soul and non-soul entities. This principle underscores the innate purity and potential for liberation within every soul, distinct from the physical and mental elements that bind it to the cycle of birth and rebirth. Recognizing and internalizing this separation is essential for spiritual progress and the attainment of samyak darshan or self realization, which marks the beginning of the aspirant's journey towards liberation. The three main pillars of Jainism are ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (asceticism).
Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. He was the spiritual successor of the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanatha. Mahavira was born in the early 6th century BCE to a royal Kshatriya Jain family of ancient India. His mother's name was Trishala and his father's name was Siddhartha. According to the second chapter of the Śvētāmbara Ācārāṅga Sūtra, Siddhartha and his family were devotees of Parshvanatha. Mahavira abandoned all worldly possessions at the age of about 30 and left home in pursuit of spiritual awakening, becoming an ascetic. Mahavira practiced intense meditation and severe austerities for twelve and a half years, after which he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). He preached for 30 years and attained moksha (liberation) in the 6th century BCE, although the year varies by sect.
In Jainism, a Tirthankara is a saviour and supreme preacher of the dharma. The word tirthankara signifies the founder of a tirtha, a fordable passage across saṃsāra, the sea of interminable birth and death. According to Jains, tirthankaras are the supreme preachers of dharma, who have conquered saṃsāra on their own and made a path for others to follow. After understanding the true nature of the self or soul, the Tīrthaṅkara attains kevala jnana (omniscience). A Tirthankara provides a bridge for others to follow them from saṃsāra to moksha (liberation).
Buddhism and Jainism are two Indian religions that developed in Magadha (Bihar) and continue to thrive in the modern age. Gautam Buddha and Mahavira are generally accepted as contemporaries. Jainism and Buddhism share many features, terminology and ethical principles, but emphasize them differently. Both are śramaṇa ascetic traditions that believe it is possible to attain liberation from the cycle of rebirths and deaths (samsara) through spiritual and ethical disciplines. They differ in some core doctrines such as those on asceticism, Middle Way versus Anekantavada, and self versus non-self.
Rishabhanatha, also Rishabhadeva, Rishabha or Ikshvaku, is the first tirthankara of Jainism. He was the first of twenty-four teachers in the present half-cycle of time in Jain cosmology, and called a "ford maker" because his teachings helped one cross the sea of interminable rebirths and deaths. The legends depict him as having lived millions of years ago. He was the spiritual successor of Sampratti Bhagwan, the last Tirthankara of the previous time cycle. He is also known as Ādinātha, as well as Adishvara, Yugadideva, Prathamarajeshwara and Nabheya. He is also known as Ikshvaku, establisher of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Along with Mahavira, Parshvanath, Neminath, and Shantinath, Rishabhanatha is one of the five Tirthankaras that attract the most devotional worship among the Jains.
Sambhavanatha was the third Jain tirthankara of the present age (Avasarpini). Sambhavanatha was born to King Jitari and Queen Susena at Shravasti. His birth date was the fourteenth day of the Margshrsha shukla month of the Indian calendar. Like all arihant, Sambhavanatha at the end of his life destroyed all associated karmas and attained moksha (liberation).
Sumatinatha was the fifth Jain Tirthankara of the present age (Avasarpini). Sumatinatha was born to a Kshatriya King Megha (Megharatha) and Queen Mangalavati (Sumangalavati) at Ayodhya in the Ikshvaku dynasty. His Janma Kalyanak (birthday) was the eighth day of the Vaisakha Sudi month of the Jain calendar.
Suparshvanatha, also known as Suparśva, was the seventh Jain Tīrthankara of the present age (avasarpini). He was born to King Pratistha and Queen Prithvi at Varanasi on 12 Jestha Shukla in the Ikshvaku clan. He is said to have attained moksha at Shikharji on the sixth day of the dark half of the month of Phālguna.
Mallinatha was the 19th tīrthaṅkara "ford-maker" of the present avasarpiṇī age in Jainism.
Jainism is a religion founded in ancient India. Jains trace their history through twenty-four tirthankara and revere Rishabhanatha as the first tirthankara. The last two tirthankara, the 23rd tirthankara Parshvanatha and the 24th tirthankara Mahavira are considered historical figures. According to Jain texts, the 22nd tirthankara Neminatha lived about 84,000 years ago and was the cousin of Krishna.
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion belonging to the śramaṇa tradition. It prescribes ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings to the greatest possible extent. The three main teachings of Jainism are ahimsa, anekantavada (non-absolutism), aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Followers of Jainism take five main vows: ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha. Monks follow them completely whereas śrāvakas (householders) observe them partially. Self-discipline and asceticism are thus major focuses of Jainism.
A Pattavali, Sthaviravali or Theravali, is a record of a spiritual lineage of heads of monastic orders. They are thus spiritual genealogies. It is generally presumed that two successive names are teacher and pupil. The term is applicable for all Indian religions, but is generally used for Jain monastic orders.
According to the Jain cosmology, the Śalākāpuruṣa "illustrious or worthy persons" are 63 illustrious beings who appear during each half-time cycle. They are also known as the triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣa. The Jain universal or legendary history is a compilation of the deeds of these illustrious persons. Their life stories are said to be most inspiring.
Uttar Pradesh, a state in north India has a long association with Jainism. Today the state is home to a number of Jain monuments, such as Jain Temples and Jain Tirths. There are around 213,267 Jains in Uttar Pradesh according to the 2011 Census of India.
Simandhar or Simandhara is a Tīrthaṅkara, an arihant, who is said to be currently living in another world in the Jain cosmological universe.
Panch Kalyanaka are the five chief auspicious events that occur in the life of tirthankara in Jainism. They are commemorated as part of many Jain rituals and festivals.
Abhinandananatha or Abhinandana Swami was the fourth Tirthankara of the present age (Avasarpini). He is said to have lived for 50 lakh purva. He was born to King Sanvara and Queen Siddhartha at Ayodhya in the Ikshvaku clan. His birth date was the second day of the Magh shukla month of the Indian calendar. According to Jain beliefs, he became a siddha, a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its Karma.
Jainism flourished in Goa during the rule of Kadamba dynasty of Karnataka. Broken sculptures of the Jain Tirthankara Suparshvanatha, belonging to the period of the Goan Kadamba ruler Shivachitta Permadi Dev, were discovered in an old Jain temple in Jainkot, Naroa.
Digamber Jain Bada Mandir Hastinapur is a Jain temple complex located in Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh. It is the oldest Jain temple in Hastinapur dedicated to Shantinatha, the 16th Jain Tirthankara.
The Jain Temple complex is group of 31 Jain temples located at Deogarh in Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh built around 8th to 17th century CE. The Jain complex in Deogarh are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and managed through its Northern Circle Office located in Lucknow. ASI maintain an archaeological museum at the Deogarh site, which is noted for its treasured archaeological sculptures.