Tirthankara

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 19^th, 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:

1. Rishabhadeva (Adinathji, Rishabdaji) – Bull
2. Ajitnathji – Elephant
3. Sambharnathji – Horse
4. Abhiaandam Swamy – Monkey
5. Sumathinathji – Curlew (Kraunea)
6. Padamprabhu – Red Lotus
7. Suparaswanath – Swastik
8. Chandraji Prabhu – Moon
9. Suvidhinathji – Crocodile
10. Shitalnathji – Srivatsa
11. Shregansnath – Rhinoceros
12. Vasupujya – Buffalo
13. Vimalnath – Boar
14. Ananthnath – Bear (Falcon)
15. Dharamnath – Spike-headed Club (Vajradanda)
16. Shantinath – Deer
17. Kuntunath – He-Goat
18. Arnathji – Fish
19. Mallinath – Water Pot
20. Muniswasthji – Tortoise
21. Naminath – Blue Lotus
22. Neminath – Shell (Conch)
23. Parswanath – Serpent
24. Mahavira – Lion