Who are the 24 Tirthankaras?

According to Jain tradition, the 24 Tirthankaras are spiritual exemplars who have appeared in the present descending half-cycle (avasarpiņi) of time. The first Tirthankara is Rşabha, also known as Adinatha, who is considered the originator of the Jain teachings in this cycle. The last three Tirthankaras are Aristanemi (also called Neminatha), Parsvanatha, and Mahavira, with Mahavira being the 24th and the most recent Tirthankara who revitalized Jainism in recorded history.

These Tirthankaras are regarded as ideal man-gods (devas) because they have achieved nirvana or moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Jain temples often house idols of all 24 Tirthankaras, with special reverence given to the first and the last three. The detailed biographies and teachings of these Tirthankaras are elaborated in Jain texts such as the Kalpasutra and works like "Tirthankar Charitra" by Jayanandvijay, which provide comprehensive accounts of their lives and spiritual significance.

Historically, the full list of 24 Tirthankaras was consolidated around the 4th-5th century A.D., with earlier texts mentioning only a few by name. The Digambara tradition’s earliest detailed description appears in the Tiloyapannatti after the 5th century A.D. The 24 Tirthankaras collectively represent the path of spiritual purification and liberation in Jain philosophy.