In Jainism, a Tirthankara ("Fordmaker") is a human who achieved enlightenment, became a Jina, and whose religious teachings have formed the canon of Jainism; although not Gods, statues of Tirthankaras are found in temples. Each Tirthankara is associated with an animal, object, or other such symbol.
Tirthankaras are so-named because they were the founders of "tirtha". which were communities of Jainists said to act as a "ford across the river of human misery".
All the Tirthankaras are said to have been princes, who adopted asceticism; except for the 19th, which Svetambaras believe to have been a woman. Many scholars believe that only the last two Tirthankaras actually existed.
List of Tirthankaras
The 24 Tirthankaras in order with their symbol are as follows
- Lord Adinathji (Rishabdaji) Bull
- Ajitnathji Elephant
- Sambharnathji Horse
- Abhiaandam Swamy Monkey
- Sumathinathji Curlew (Kraunea)
- Padamprabhu Red Lotus
- Suparaswanath Swastik
- Chandraji Prabhu Moon
- Suvidhinathji Crocodile
- Shitalnathji Srivatsa
- Shregansnath Rhinosocerous
- Vasupujya Buffalo
- Vimalnath Boar
- Ananthnath Bear (Falcon)
- Dharamnath Spike-headed Club (Vajradanda)
- Shantinath Deer
- Kuntunath He-Goat
- Arnathji Fish
- Mallinath Water Pot
- Muniswasthji Tortoise
- Naminath Blue Lotus
- Neminath Shell (Conch)
- Parswanath Serpent
- Mahavir Swamy Lion
