{{Short description|Supreme spiritual teacher in Jainism}} {{redirect|Jinas|Buddhism|Five Jinas|the singular|Jina (disambiguation)}} {{Italic title}} {{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}} [[File:Jain 24-Tirthankaras.jpg|thumb| Jain miniature painting of 24 Jain Tirthankaras, Jaipur, {{circa|1850}}|300px]] [[File:The 24 Tirthankaras forming the tantric meditative syllable Hrim.jpg|thumb|The 24 Tirthankaras forming the tantric meditative syllable ''Hrim'', painting on cloth, Gujarat, {{Circa|1800}}|300px]]
In Jainism, a '''''Tirthankara''''' ({{IAST3|tīrthaṅkara}}; {{lit|ford-maker}}) is a saviour and supreme preacher of the ''dharma'' (righteous path).<ref name="britannica">{{citation|title=Britannica Tirthankar Definition|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/596895/Tirthankar|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=5 February 2012|archive-date=20 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320023732/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tirthankara|url-status=live}}</ref> The word ''tirthankara'' signifies the founder of a ''tirtha'',{{Sfn|Babb|1996|p=5}} 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tirthankara {{!}} Definition, Names, & Facts |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tirthankara |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |access-date=9 January 2021 |language=en |archive-date=17 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817043220/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tirthankara |url-status=live }}</ref> 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).{{sfn|Sangave|2006|p=16}}
In Jain cosmology, the wheel of time is divided into two halves, ''[https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/utsarpini Utsarpiṇī]'', the ascending time cycle, and ''avasarpiṇī'', the descending time cycle (said to be current now). In each half of the cycle, exactly 24 ''tirthankaras'' grace this part of the universe. There have been infinitely many tirthankaras in the past.{{sfn|Dundas|2002|p=20}} The first ''tirthankara'' in the present cycle (Hunda Avsarpini) was Rishabhanatha, who is credited with formulating and organising humans to live in a society harmoniously. The 24th and last ''tirthankara'' of the present half-cycle was Mahavira (599 BC–527 BC).{{sfn|Dundas|2002|p=19}}{{sfn|Taliaferro|Marty|2010|p=286}}<ref>{{citation |last=Sanghvi |first=Vir |author-link=Vir Sanghvi |title=Rude Travel: Down The Sages |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch-stories/rude-travel-down-the-sages/article1-1121641.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518135901/http://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch-stories/rude-travel-down-the-sages/article1-1121641.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 May 2015 |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=14 September 2013 }}</ref> History records the existence of Mahavira and his predecessor, Parshvanatha, the 23rd ''tirthankara''.{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=182-183}}
A ''tirthankara'' organises the ''sangha'', a fourfold order of male and female monastics, ''srāvakas'' (male followers) and ''śrāvikā''s (female followers).{{sfn|Balcerowicz|2009|p =17}}
The ''tirthankara's'' teachings form the basis for the Jain canons. The inner knowledge of ''tirthankara'' is believed to be perfect and identical in every respect, and their teachings contain no contradictions. The degree of elaboration varies according to society's spiritual advancement and purity during their period of leadership. The higher the level of society's spiritual advancement and purity of mind, the lower the elaboration required.
While Jains document and revere ''tirthankaras'', their grace is said to be available to all living beings regardless of religion.{{sfn|Flügel|2010}}
''Tīrthaṅkaras'' are ''arihants'' who, after attaining ''kevala jñāna'' (pure infinite knowledge),{{sfn|Sangave|2006|p=164}} preach the ''dharma''. An ''Arihant'' is also called ''Jina'' (victor), one who has conquered inner enemies such as anger, attachment, pride, and greed.{{sfn|Sangave|2006|p=16}} They dwell exclusively within the realm of their soul and are entirely free of ''kashayas'', inner passions, and personal desires. As a result of this, unlimited ''siddhis'', or spiritual powers, are readily available to them, which they use exclusively for living beings' spiritual elevation. Through ''darśana'', divine vision, and ''deshna'', divine speech, they help others attain ''kevalajñana'' and ''moksha'' (final liberation).
==Meaning== The word ''tirthankara'' signifies the founder of a ''tirtha'', a fordable passage across ''saṃsāra'', the sea of interminable births and deaths.{{sfn|Upinder Singh|2016|p=313}}{{sfn|Balcerowicz|2009|p=16}}{{sfn|Sangave|2006|p=169-170}}{{sfn|Champat Rai Jain|1930|p=3}} ''Tirthankaras'' are variously called "Teaching Gods", "Ford-Makers", "Crossing Makers", and "Makers of the River-Crossing".{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=212}}{{sfn|Champat Rai Jain|1930|p=3}}
==Historicity and Hagiography== ===The Historical ''Tirthankaras''=== Academic and historical consensus broadly accepts Parshvanatha (c. 8th century BCE) and Mahavira (c. 6th century BCE) as historical figures.{{sfn|Jaini|1998|p=10}}{{sfn|Dundas|2002|pp=30–31}} Parshvanatha, the 23rd ''tirthankara'', is understood as a predecessor who preached the "fourfold restraint" (''chaturyama dharma'').{{sfn|Wiley|2009|p=148}}{{sfn|Dundas|2002|p=221}} Mahavira is seen as a reformer and the final systematizer of Jain thought, who re-established the Jain monastic and lay community based on Parshvanatha's teachings, notably adding celibacy as the fifth great vow.{{sfn|Dundas|2002|pp=30–31}}
===The Hagiographical Tradition=== The lives of the other 22 ''tirthankaras'' are considered to be part of a sacred, cosmological history operating within vast, non-historical timeframes. Texts such as the ''Kalpa Sutra'' detail their lives, which follow a formulaic pattern: birth into a royal family, a period of worldly life, renunciation of the world (''diksha''), a period of asceticism leading to omniscience (''kevala jnana''), and finally, final liberation (''nirvana'').
===The Rishabhanatha Debate=== Rishabhanatha (or Adinatha), the first ''tirthankara'', holds a unique position. He is credited within the tradition as the founder of human civilization, teaching agriculture, law, and social order. While he is a hagiographical figure, some scholars have speculated on a pre-historical link. They point to the nude standing figures and the prominent "bull" motif found on seals from the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE) as possible, though unproven, evidence of a proto-Jain or proto-Rishabha cult. ==Theological Significance and Sectarian Views== === ''Tīrthaṅkara-naam-karma'' === [[File:Jain statues, Gwalior.jpg|thumb|Tirthankara images at Siddhachal Caves inside Gwalior Fort.]] Jain texts propound that a special type of ''karma'', the ''tīrthaṅkara nama-karma'', raises a soul to the supreme status of a ''Tīrthaṅkara''. The ''Tattvartha Sutra'', a major Jain text, lists 16 observances that lead to the ''bandha'' (bondage) of this ''karma'':{{sfn|Vijay K. Jain|2011|p=91}} *Purity of right faith *Reverence *Observance of vows and supplementary vows without transgressions *Ceaseless pursuit of knowledge *Perpetual fear of the cycle of existence *Giving gifts (charity) *Practising austerities according to one's capacity *Removal of obstacles that threaten the equanimity of ascetics *Serving the meritorious by warding off evil or suffering *Devotion to omniscient lords, chief preceptors, preceptors, and the scriptures *Practice of the six essential duties *Propagation of the teachings of the omniscient *Fervent affection for one's brethren following the same path.
=== ''Panch Kalyanaka'' (Five Auspicious Events) === {{main|Panch Kalyanaka}}thumb|Auspicious 14 dreams seen by a tirthankara's mother during pregnancy as an ornamentation on cover of 19th-century manuscriptFive auspicious events called ''Pañca kalyāṇaka'' mark every ''tirthankara''<nowiki/>'s life:{{sfn|Cort|2001|p=110}} # ''Chyavana kalyāṇaka'' (conception): When a tirthankara's ''ātman'' (soul) comes into their mother's womb.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.herenow4u.net/index.php?id=74859|title=HereNow4U.net :: Glossary/Index – Terms – Eastern Terms – Chyavana Kalyanak|work=HereNow4u: Portal on Jainism and next level consciousness|access-date=22 April 2015|archive-date=14 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314224049/http://herenow4u.net/index.php?id=74859|url-status=live}}</ref> # ''Janma kalyāṇaka'' (birth): Birth of a tirthankara. Indra performs a ceremonial bath on ''tirthankara'' on Mount Meru.{{sfn|Wiley|2009|p=200}}{{sfn|Wiley|2009|p=246}} # ''Diksha kalyāṇaka'' (renunciation): When a tirthankara renounces all worldly possessions and becomes an ascetic. # ''Keval Gyan kalyāṇaka (omniscience)'': When a tirthankara attains ''kevalajñāna'' (infinite knowledge). A ''samavasarana'' (divine preaching hall) is then erected from where they deliver sermons and establish 'tirth (chaturvidh sangha). # ''Nirvāṇa/Moksha kalyāṇaka'' (liberation): ''Nirvana'' is when a tirthankara leaves their mortal body. It is followed by the final liberation, ''moksha'', after which their soul resides in ''Siddhashila''.
==''Samavasarana''== [[File:Lord Risbabhdev in Samosharan on Mount Kailash.jpg|thumb|right|''Samavasarana'' of Tirthankara Rishabha (Ajmer Jain temple)]] {{Main|Samavasarana}}
After attaining ''kevalajñāna'', the ''tirthankara'' preaches the path to liberation in the ''samavasarana''. According to Jain texts, ''devas'' (heavenly beings) erect the heavenly pavilion where ''devas'', humans, and animals assemble to hear the ''tirthankara''.{{sfn|Vijay K. Jain|2015|p=200}} A samavasarana is a three-level structure. The lowest level, made of rajat (silver), is the parking space for vehicles. The second is the svarna (gold) level. All animals reside in the svarna level, while the highest level, made of precious gems, is reserved for various important figures, such as kings and their families, the devas and the ascetics. Humans and animals hear a ''tirthankara''<nowiki/>'s speech in their language. It is believed that during this speech, there is no unhappiness for miles around the site.{{sfn|Pramansagar|2008|p = 39-43}}
== ''Tīrthaṅkaras'' of the present cosmic age == Jainism postulates that time has no beginning or end. It moves like the wheel of a cart. The wheel of time is divided into two halves, ''Utsarpiṇī'' (ascending half cycle) and ''Avasarpiṇī'' (descending half cycle). 24 ''tirthankaras'' are born in each half of this cycle. In Jain tradition, the ''tirthankaras'' were royal in their final lives, and Jain texts record details of those lives. Their clan and families are also among those recorded in legendary stories. According to Jain canons, Rishabhanatha, the first ''tirthankara'',{{sfn|Upinder Singh|2016|p=313}} founded the Ikshvaku dynasty,{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|p=15}} from which 21 other ''tirthankaras'' rose over time. Two ''tirthankaras'' – Munisuvrata, the 20th, and Neminatha, the 22nd – belonged to the Harivamsa dynasty.{{sfn|Vijay K. Jain|2015|p=151}}
In Jain tradition, the 20 ''tirthankaras'' attained ''moksha'' on Mount Shikharji, in the present Indian state of Jharkhand.{{sfn|Osho|2016|p=4}} Rishabhanatha attained nirvana on Mount Ashtāpada (Mount Kailash), Vasupujya in Champapuri, Bihar, Neminatha on Mount Girnar, Gujarat, and Mahavira, the last ''tirthankara'', at Pawapuri, near modern Patna. Twenty-one of the ''tirthankaras'' are said to have attained ''moksha'' in the ''kayotsarga'' (standing meditation posture), while Rishabhanatha, Neminatha, and Mahavira are said to have done so in the ''Padmasana'' (lotus position).{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=212}}
== List of the 24 ''Tirthankaras'' == thumb|A metal sculpture of ''Tirthankara''s of present, previous and next cosmic ages (72 in total) The following Sanskrit stotra written by Aarav Shah, perfectly states the names and major pilgrimage sites of the 24 tirthankaras:
तीर्थस्थानानि-सप्तकम् 24 Tirthasthanas
सुरगिरौ आदिनाथं च तारंगागिरौ अजितम्। श्रावस्त्यां संभवं चैव, कोसले अभिनन्दनम्॥
Translation:Adinath in Suragiri Hill(Shetrunjay), Ajitnath on Taranga hill, Sambhavnath in Shravasti and Abhinandan in Kosala(Ayodhya)
साकेते सुमतिनाथं, कौशाम्ब्यां पद्मप्रभम्। सुपार्श्वं चन्द्रनाथं च, वाराणस्यां स्थिताः जिनाः॥
Translation:Sumtinath in Saket(Ayodhya), Padmaprabha in Kaushambi, Suparshva and Chandranath are the Jinas residing in Varanasi
काकण्ड्यां सुविधिनाथं, शीतलं भद्रिकापुर्याम्। वाराणस्यां च श्रेयांसम्, वासुपूज्यं चम्पापुरे॥
Translation:Suvidhinath in Kakandi, Shitalnath in Bhadrikapuri, Shreyansnath in Varanasi and Vasupujya in Champapur
काम्पिले विमलनाथं च, अयोध्यायाम् अनन्तं च। यस्य चिह्नं सुवज्रोऽस्ति, धर्मनाथं रत्नपुर्यां॥
Vimalnath in Kampil, Anantnth in Ayodhya and the one whose symbol is the great Vajra, Dharmanath in Ratnapuri
शान्ति-कुन्थु-अरनाथान्, गजपुरे हस्तिनापुरे। मल्लिं च मिथिलापुर्यां, राजगृहे मुनिसुव्रतम्॥
Translation:Shantinath, Kunthunath and Aranath in Gajpur(in Hastinapur), Mallinath in Mithilapuri and Munisuvrat in Rajgruh
जनकक्षेत्रे नमिनाथं, नेमिं च सिद्धपदगिरौ॥ पार्श्वनाथं अहिच्छत्रे, पावापुर्यां महावीरं॥
Translation:Naminath in Janakakshetra(Mithila), Neminath on Sidhhapadgiri(Girnar hill), Parshwanath in Ahichhatra, Mahavir in Pavapuri
एतानि तीर्थस्थानानि, सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः। सप्तजन्मकृतं पापम्, अल्पक्षणे विनश्यति॥
Translation:One should read(remember) these pilgrimage sites in the morning and night, (so) his sins of seven lives destroy in an instant
=== Present cosmic age === {{Main|List of Tirthankaras}} [[File:Shrine with Four Jinas (Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), Parshvanatha, Neminatha, and Mahavira) LACMA M.85.55 (1 of 4).jpg|thumb|Jain chaumukha sculpture at LACMA, 6th century]]
In chronological order, the names, emblems and colours of the 24 ''tirthankaras'' of this age are:<ref name="britannica" />{{sfn|Doniger|1999|p=550}}{{sfn|Vijay K. Jain|2015|p=181-208}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jainuniversity.org/pdfbooks/030414060736pdfbooks.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713111418/http://www.jainuniversity.org/pdfbooks/030414060736pdfbooks.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Tirthankara (EMBLEMS OR SYMBOLS) pdf|archive-date=13 July 2015}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! No. !! Name !! Emblem !! Colour |- | 1 || Rishabhanatha<ref name="Name">{{cite web |title=Name |url=https://jainworld.com/tir.htm |website=jainworld.com |access-date=9 January 2021 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125060942/https://jainworld.com/tir.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> (Adinatha) || Bull || Golden |- | 2 || Ajitanatha<ref name="Name"/>|| Elephant || Golden |- | 3 || Sambhavanatha<ref name="Name"/>|| Horse || Golden |- | 4 || Abhinandananatha<ref name="Name"/> || Monkey || Golden |- | 5 || Sumatinatha<ref name="Name"/> || Flamingo || Golden |- | 6 || Padmaprabha<ref name="Name"/> || Padma || Red |- | 7 || Suparshvanatha<ref name="Name"/> || Swastika || Green |- | 8 || Chandraprabha<ref name="Name"/> || Crescent Moon || White |- | 9 || Pushpadanta (Suvidhinath)<ref name="Name"/>|| Crocodile or Makara || White |- | 10 || Shitalanatha<ref name="Name"/>|| Kalpavriksha according to the Digambara. Srivatsa according to Svetambara || Golden |- | 11 || Shreyanasanatha<ref name="Name"/> || Rhinoceros || Golden |- | 12 || Vasupujya<ref name="Name"/> || Buffalo || Red |- | 13 || Vimalanatha<ref name="Name"/>|| Boar || Golden |- | 14 || Anantanatha<ref name="Name"/> || Porcupine according to the Digambara<br />Falcon according to the Śvētāmbara || Golden |- | 15 || Dharmanatha<ref name="Name"/> || Vajra || Golden |- | 16 || Shantinatha<ref name="Name"/> || Antelope or deer || Golden |- | 17 || Kunthunatha<ref name="Name"/> || Goat || Golden |- | 18 || Aranatha<ref name="Name"/>|| Nandavarta or fish || Golden |- | 19 || Māllīnātha<ref name="Name"/> || Kalasha || Blue |- | 20 || Munisuvrata<ref name="Name"/>|| Tortoise || Black/Dark Blue |- | 21 || Naminatha<ref name="Name"/> || Blue lotus || Golden |- | 22 || Neminatha<ref name="Name"/> || Shankha || Black/Dark Blue |- | 23 || Parshvanatha<ref name="Name"/>|| Snake || Green |- | 24 || Mahavira<ref name="Name"/>|| Lion || Golden |}
=== Next cosmic age === {{Jainism}} The next 24 ''tirthankaras'', who will be born in ''utsarpinī'' age, are:
{| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! No. !! Name !! Previous human birth |- | 1 || Padmanabha || King Bimbisara {{sfn|Dunga|2002|p=276}} |- | 2 || Surdev || Mahavira's uncle Suparshva |- | 3 || Suparshva || King Kaunik's son king Udayin |- | 4 || Svamprabh || The ascetic Pottil |- | 5 || Sarvanubhuti || ''Śrāvaka'' Dridhayadha |- | 6 || Devshruti || Kartik's Shreshti |- | 7 || Udaynath || ''Shravak'' Shamkha |- | 8 || Pedhalputra || ''Shravak'' Ananda |- | 9 || Pottil || ''Shravak'' Sunand |- | 10 || Shatak || ''Sharavak'' Shatak |- | 11 || Suvrat|| Satyaki of Mahabharata |- | 12 || Amam|| Krishna |- | 13 || Shrinishkashay || Satyaki Rudhra |- | 14 || Nishpulak || Krishna's brother Balbhadra also known as Balrama |- | 15 || Nirmam || ''Shravika'' Sulsa |- | 16 || Chitragupta || Krishna's brother's mother Rohini Devi |- | 17 || Samadhinath || Revati Gathapatni |- | 18 || Samvarnath || ''Sharavak'' Shattilak |- | 19 || Yashodhar|| ''Rishi'' Dwipayan |- | 20 || Vijay || Karna of Mahabharata |- | 21 || Malladev || Nirgranthaputra or Mallanarada |- | 22 || Devachandra|| ''Shravak'' Ambadh |- | 23 || Anantvirya || ''Shravak'' Amar |- | 24 || Bhadrakat || Swati |}
== Iconography and Art == {{multiple image | image1 = Mahavir.jpg | caption1 = Mahāvīr Swami iconography at Shree Mahaveerji | image2 = | caption2 = The idol of Tirthankara Parshvanatha at Shankheshwar Jinalaya }}
A tīrthaṅkara is represented either in the lotus position (''Padmasana'') or in the meditation Khadgasana (''Kayotsarga'') posture.{{sfn|Zimmer|1953|p=209-210}}{{sfn|Umakant P. Shah|1987|p=79}} The latter, which is similar to the military standing at attention, is a difficult posture to hold for long and is preferred by Jains because it minimizes the amount of the body in contact with the earth, and thus the risk to sentient creatures living in or on it. If seated, they are usually depicted seated with their legs crossed in front, the toes of one foot resting upon the knee of the other leg, and the right hand lying over the left in the lap.<ref name="britannica" />
Tirthankara images have no distinctive facial features, clothing, or (mostly) hairstyles, and are differentiated based on the symbol or emblem (''Lanchhana'') belonging to each ''tirthanakara'' except Parshvanatha. Statues of Parshvanatha have a snake crown. The first Tirthankara, Rishabha, is identifiable by the locks of hair falling on his shoulders. Sometimes Suparshvanath is shown with a small snake-hood. The symbols are marked in the centre or the corner of the statue's pedestal. The Jain sects Digambara and Śvetāmbara have different depictions of idols. Digambara images are naked without any ornamentation, whereas Śvetāmbara ones are clothed and decorated with temporary ornaments.{{sfn|Cort|2010}} The images are often marked with Srivatsa on the chest and Tilaka on the forehead.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/r/red_sandstone_figure_of_a_tirt.aspx|title=Red sandstone figure of a tirthankara|access-date=7 April 2017|archive-date=19 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019023104/http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/r/red_sandstone_figure_of_a_tirt.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Srivatsa is one of the ashtamangala (auspicious symbols), which sometimes resembles fleur-de-lis, an endless knot, a flower, or a diamond-shaped symbol.{{sfn|Jain|Fischer|1978|p=15, 31}}
The bodies of tirthankara statues are exceptionally consistent throughout over 2,000 years of the historical record. The bodies are rather slight, with very wide shoulders and a narrow waist. Even more than is usual in Indian sculpture, the depiction takes relatively little interest in accurate depiction of musculature and bones but is interested in modeling outer surfaces as broad swelling forms. The ears are extremely elongated, alluding to the heavy earrings the figures wore in their early lives before they took the path to enlightenment, when most were wealthy, if not royal.
Sculptures with four heads are not uncommon in early sculpture, but unlike the comparable Hindu images, these represent four different ''tirthanakaras'', not four aspects of the same deity. Multiple extra arms are avoided ''in tirthanakara'' images, though their attendants or guardians may have them.<ref>Srinivasan, Doris, ''Many Heads, Arms, and Eyes: Origin, Meaning, and Form of Multiplicity in Indian Art'', pp. 329-330, 1997, BRILL, {{ISBN|9004107584}}, 9789004107588, [https://books.google.com/books?id=vZheP9dIX9wC&pg=PA335 google books] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405042049/https://books.google.com/books?id=vZheP9dIX9wC&pg=PA335 |date=5 April 2023 }}</ref>
== In other religions == {{See also|Rishabha (Hinduism)|Paranath Avtar}} The first ''Tirthankara'', ''Rishabhanatha'' is mentioned in Hindu texts like the ''Rigveda'',{{sfn|George|2008|p=318}} ''Vishnupurana'', and ''Bhagwata Purana''.{{sfn|Rao|2007|p=13}} The Yajurveda mentions the name of three Tīrthaṅkaras: Ṛiṣhabha, Ajitnātha and Ariṣṭanemi.{{sfn|Dr. K. R. Shah|2011|p=9}} The Bhāgavata Purāṇa includes legends about the Tirthankaras, particularly Rishabha.<ref>Ravi Gupta and Kenneth Valpey (2013), The Bhagavata Purana, Columbia University Press, {{ISBN|978-0231149990}}, pages 151–155</ref> Yoga Vasishta, Chapter 15 of Vairagya Khanda, Sloka 8, gives the saying of Rama: {{quote|I am not Rama. I have no desire for material things. Like Jina I want to establish peace within myself.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sites.fas.harvard.edu/~pluralsm/affiliates/jainism/quote/greatmen.htm |title=Great Men's View on Jainism |website=Jainism Literature Center |access-date=9 February 2021 |archive-date=11 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211035732/https://sites.fas.harvard.edu/~pluralsm/affiliates/jainism/quote/greatmen.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
Champat Rai Jain, a 20th-century Jain writer, claimed that the "Four and Twenty Elders" mentioned in the Book of Revelation (the final book of the Christian Bible) are "Twenty-four ''Tirthankaras''".{{sfn|Champat Rai Jain|1930|p=78}}
== See also == {{Commons category}} * God in Jainism * Kundakunda * List of Tirthankaras * Tattva (Jainism)
==References== ===Citations=== {{Reflist|23em}}
=== Sources === {{refbegin|30em}} * {{Citation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y64wDwAAQBAJ|title=Absent Lord: Ascetics and Kings in a Jain Ritual Culture|first=Lawrence A.|last=Babb|publisher=University of California Press|date=1996|isbn=9780520203242|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=2 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702114823/https://books.google.com/books?id=y64wDwAAQBAJ|url-status=live}} * {{citation |last=Balcerowicz |first=Piotr |author-link=Piotr Balcerowicz |title=Jainism and the definition of religion |date=2009 |publisher=Hindi Granth Karyalay |location=Mumbai |isbn=978-81-88769-29-2 |edition=1st }} * {{Citation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cBooAAAAYAAJ|title=Indian Antiquary|volume=2|publisher=Popular Prakashan|date=1874|first=Jas|last=Burgess|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=2 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702114823/https://books.google.com/books?id=cBooAAAAYAAJ|url-status=live}} * {{citation |last=Cort |first=John E. |author-link=John E. Cort |title=Framing the Jina: Narratives of Icons and Idols in Jain History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MDBpq23-0QoC |publisher=Oxford University Press |date=2010 |orig-year=1953 |isbn=978-0-19-538502-1 }} * {{citation |last=Cort |first=John E. |title=Jains in the World: Religious Values and Ideology in India |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=9780195132342 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PZk-4HOMzsoC |date=2001 |access-date=26 September 2016 |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702114823/https://books.google.com/books?id=PZk-4HOMzsoC |url-status=live }} * {{citation |editor-last=Doniger |editor-first=Wendy |editor-link=Wendy Doniger |title=Encyclopedia of World Religions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZP_f9icf2roC |date=1999 |publisher=Merriam-Webster |isbn=0-87779-044-2 |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702114824/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZP_f9icf2roC |url-status=live }} * {{citation |last=Dundas |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Dundas |title=The Jains |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X8iAAgAAQBAJ |edition=Second |date=2002 |orig-year=1992 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=0-415-26605-X |location=London and New York |access-date=26 September 2016 |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702114824/https://books.google.com/books?id=X8iAAgAAQBAJ |url-status=live }} * {{cite journal |last=Flügel |first=P. |year=2010 |title=The Jaina Cult of Relic Stūpas |journal=Numen: International Review for the History of Religions |volume=57 |issue=3/4 |pages=389–504 |doi=10.1163/156852710X501351 |url=https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/8618/1/The%20Jaina%20Cult%20of%20Relic%20St%C5%ABpas.pdf |access-date=28 February 2021 |archive-date=17 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217143151/https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/8618/1/The%20Jaina%20Cult%20of%20Relic%20St%C5%ABpas.pdf |url-status=live }} * {{citation |last=George |first=Vensus A. |author-link=Vensus A. George |title=Paths to the Divine: Ancient and Indian |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VYaRePV92YwC |publisher=The Council for Research in Values and Philosophy |date=2008 |volume=XII |isbn=978-1-56518-248-6 }} * {{citation |last=Jain |first=Champat Rai |author-link=Champat Rai Jain |title=Jainism, Christianity and Science |publisher=The Indian Press |location=Allahabad |date=1930 |url=https://archive.org/details/JainismChristianityAndScience |quote={{PD-notice}} |ref={{sfnref|Champat Rai Jain|1930}} }} *{{citation |last1=Jain |first1=Jyotindra |last2=Fischer |first2=Eberhard |title=Jaina Iconography, Part 12- Iconography of religions: Indian religions |year=1978 |publisher=BRILL |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gFZ7vQ2jwlEC |isbn=978-9004052598 |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702114824/https://books.google.com/books?id=gFZ7vQ2jwlEC |url-status=live }} * {{Citation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fdHKV6aWnQ8C |first=Rajneesh |last=Jain |author-link=osho |publisher=Krishna Prakashan Media |date=2016 |title=Essence of spiritualism |isbn=9788179332009 |ref={{sfnref|Osho|2016}} |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702115325/https://books.google.com/books?id=fdHKV6aWnQ8C |url-status=live}} * {{citation |last=Jain |first=Vijay K. |author-link=Vijay K. Jain |title=Acarya Samantabhadra's Svayambhustotra: Adoration of The Twenty-four Tirthankara |date=2015 |publisher=Vikalp Printers |isbn=978-81-903639-7-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xI8HBgAAQBAJ |quote={{PD-notice}} |ref={{sfnref|Vijay K. Jain|2015}} |access-date=26 September 2016 |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702115325/https://books.google.com/books?id=xI8HBgAAQBAJ |url-status=live }} * {{citation |last=Jain |first=Vijay K. |author-link=Vijay K. Jain |title=Acharya Umasvami's Tattvarthsutra |date=2011 |publisher=Vikalp Printers |location=Uttarakhand |isbn=978-81-903639-2-1 |edition=1st |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zLmx9bvtglkC |quote={{PD-notice}} |ref={{sfnref|Vijay K. Jain|2011}} |access-date=8 December 2015 |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702115326/https://books.google.com/books?id=zLmx9bvtglkC |url-status=live }} * {{citation |last=Jaini |first=Padmanabh S. | date =1998 | orig-date =1979 |title=The Jain Path of Purification |url={{Google books|wE6v6ahxHi8C|plainurl=yes}}|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |location=Delhi |isbn=978-81-208-1578-0 }} * {{citation |last=Pramansagar |first=Muni |author-link=Pramansagar |title=Jain Tattvavidya |date=2008 |publisher=Bhartiya Gyanpeeth |location=India |isbn=978-81-263-1480-5 }} * {{citation |last=Rao |first=P Raghunadha |author-link=P Raghunadha Rao |title=Indian Heritage and Culture |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U-p8Zg62USYC |isbn=9788120709300 |date=2007 |orig-year=1988 |publisher=Sterling Publishers }} * {{citation |last=Sangave |first=Vilas Adinath |author-link=Vilas Adinath Sangave |title=Jain Community: A Social Survey |url={{Google books|FWdWrRGV_t8C|plainurl=yes}} |date=1980 |publisher=Popular Prakashan |location=Bombay |edition=2nd |isbn=978-0-317-12346-3 }} * {{citation |last=Sangave |first=Vilas Adinath |author-link=Vilas Adinath Sangave |title=Aspects of Jaina religion |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8UhvGRoyAqMC |edition=5 |date=2006 |orig-year=1990 |publisher=Bharatiya Jnanpith |isbn=81-263-1273-4 |access-date=5 June 2016 |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702115325/https://books.google.com/books?id=8UhvGRoyAqMC |url-status=live }} *{{citation|first=K. R.|last=Shah|title=The Philosophy of welfare economics of Dr. Amartya Sen and Jain Philosophy|publisher=Trafford Publishing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mttaJSAlMf4C&pg=PA9|isbn=978-1-4269-5023-0|date=2011|ref={{sfnref|Dr. K. R. Shah|2011}}|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-date=2 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702115325/https://books.google.com/books?id=mttaJSAlMf4C&pg=PA9|url-status=live}} * {{citation |last=Shah |first=Natubhai |author-link=Natubhai Shah |title=Jainism: The World of Conquerors |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qLNQKGcDIhsC |volume=I |date=2004 |orig-year=First published in 1998 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=81-208-1938-1 |ref={{sfnref|Natubhai Shah|2004}} |access-date=26 September 2016 |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702115326/https://books.google.com/books?id=qLNQKGcDIhsC |url-status=live }} * {{Cite Q|Q40348271|ref={{sfnref|Umakant P. Shah|1987}}}} * {{citation |last=Singh |first=Upinder |author-link=Upinder Singh |title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pq2iCwAAQBAJ |publisher=Pearson Education |date=2016 |isbn=978-93-325-6996-6 |ref={{sfnref|Upinder Singh|2016}} |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-date=2 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702115436/https://books.google.com/books?id=Pq2iCwAAQBAJ |url-status=live }} * {{citation |last1=Taliaferro |first1=Charles |author-link=Charles Taliaferro |last2=Marty |first2=Elsa J. |author-link2=Elsa J. Marty |title=A Dictionary of Philosophy of Religion |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=78962vlrCDcC |publisher=A&C Black |date=2010 |isbn=978-1441111975 }} * {{citation |last=Wiley |first=Kristi L. |author-link=Kristi L. Wiley |title=The A to Z of Jainism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUz9o-EKTpwC |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=9780810868212 |date=2009 }} * {{citation |last=Zimmer |first=Heinrich |author-link=Heinrich Zimmer |title=Philosophies Of India |date=1953 |orig-year=April 1952 |editor-first=Joseph |editor-last=Campbell |editor-link=Joseph Campbell |publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd |location=London |url=https://archive.org/details/Philosophy.of.India.by.Heinrich.Zimmer |isbn=978-81-208-0739-6 }} {{refend}}
==External links== *[https://www.wisdomlib.org/jainism/essay/a-study-of-the-philosophy-of-jainism/d/doc242092.html The lives of the Tīrthaṅkaras] in ''A study of the philosophy of Jainism'' by Deepa Baruah (2017)
{{Jain Gods}} {{Jainism topics}} {{Portal bar|Religion|India}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Tirthankaras Category:God in Jainism