https://wikimd.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=TirthankaraTirthankara - Revision history2026-04-25T03:29:20ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Tirthankara&diff=5616892&oldid=prevPrab: CSV import2024-04-16T21:50:28Z<p>CSV import</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:Jain_24-Tirthankaras.jpg|Jain 24-Tirthankaras|thumb]] [[File:The_24_Tirthankaras_forming_the_tantric_meditative_syllable_Hrim.jpg|The 24 Tirthankaras forming the tantric meditative syllable Hrim|thumb|left]] [[File:Jain_statues,_Gwalior.jpg|Jain statues, Gwalior|thumb|left]] [[File:Sixteen_Symbolic_Dreams.jpg|Sixteen Symbolic Dreams|thumb]] [[File:Lord_Risbabhdev_in_Samosharan_on_Mount_Kailash.jpg|Lord Risbabhdev in Samosharan on Mount Kailash|thumb]] [[File:Altarpiece_with_multiple_Jinas,_c._1500,_Norton_Simon_Museum.JPG|Altarpiece with multiple Jinas, c. 1500, Norton Simon Museum|thumb]] '''Tirthankara''' is a pivotal concept in [[Jainism]], representing the founding figures of the Jain faith. A Tirthankara is a [[savior]] and spiritual teacher who has succeeded in crossing over life's stream of rebirths and has made a path for others to follow. The word "Tirthankara" signifies "maker of the ford" (tīrtha) and refers to one who helps the soul cross the ocean of [[samsara]] or the cycle of birth and death, achieving [[moksha]] or liberation.<br />
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==Overview==<br />
In Jain tradition, a Tirthankara is a special soul that has destroyed all of its [[karma]], achieving pure, infinite knowledge ([[Kevala Jnana]]), perception, bliss, and power. These enlightened individuals are revered for their teachings and the paths they have laid out for the liberation of souls in the material world. There are a total of 24 Tirthankaras in the current time cycle ([[kalpa]]), with [[Rishabhanatha]] being the first and [[Mahavira]] being the last and most famous in our present age.<br />
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==Life and Teachings==<br />
Each Tirthankara revitalizes the Jain order, establishing a fourfold community of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. Their lives and teachings form the core of Jain [[scriptures]] and practices. Despite being historical figures, the first few Tirthankaras are considered to be more legendary due to the lack of historical evidence surrounding their lives. The life of a Tirthankara is marked by five auspicious events ([[Kalyanakas]]): conception, birth, renunciation, attainment of omniscience ([[Kevala Jnana]]), and finally, liberation ([[Nirvana]] or [[Moksha]]).<br />
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==Iconography and Worship==<br />
Tirthankaras are depicted in Jain art and temples in a serene, meditative state, often identified by symbols associated with each one of them. For example, Rishabhanatha is identified by a bull symbol, while Mahavira is associated with a lion. These symbols help devotees to distinguish between the Tirthankaras. The statues of Tirthankaras are revered in [[temples]] and are the focus of various rituals and ceremonies. The worship of Tirthankaras is a key aspect of Jain devotional practices, aiming to purify the soul and follow the path laid out by these enlightened beings.<br />
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==Significance==<br />
The concept of Tirthankara is central to Jainism, embodying the religion's core teachings of non-violence ([[Ahimsa]]), truth ([[Satya]]), non-stealing ([[Asteya]]), celibacy ([[Brahmacharya]]), and non-attachment ([[Aparigraha]]). Tirthankaras exemplify the ultimate goal of Jain life: liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Their lives and teachings offer a path to spiritual awakening and ethical living.<br />
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==List of Tirthankaras==<br />
The 24 Tirthankaras of the present age are:<br />
# [[Rishabhanatha]]<br />
# [[Ajitanatha]]<br />
# [[Sambhavanatha]]<br />
# [[Abhinandananatha]]<br />
# [[Sumatinatha]]<br />
# [[Padmaprabha]]<br />
# [[Suparshvanatha]]<br />
# [[Chandraprabha]]<br />
# [[Pushpadanta]]<br />
# [[Sheetalnatha]]<br />
# [[Shreyansanatha]]<br />
# [[Vasupujya]]<br />
# [[Vimalnatha]]<br />
# [[Anantanatha]]<br />
# [[Dharmanatha]]<br />
# [[Shantinatha]]<br />
# [[Kunthunatha]]<br />
# [[Aranatha]]<br />
# [[Mallinatha]]<br />
# [[Munisuvrata]]<br />
# [[Naminatha]]<br />
# [[Neminatha]]<br />
# [[Parshvanatha]]<br />
# [[Mahavira]]<br />
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==See Also==<br />
* [[Jain cosmology]]<br />
* [[Karma in Jainism]]<br />
* [[Moksha (Jainism)]]<br />
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[[Category:Jainism]]<br />
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