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 symbols are as follows:
- Rishabhadeva (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 - Rhinoceros
- 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
- Mahavira - Lion
