Tirthankara

From Freepedia

In Jainism, a Tirthankar ("Fordmaker") is a human who achieved enlightenment, became a Jiva, and whose religious teachings have formed the canon of Jainism; although not Gods, statues of Tirthankars are found in temples. Each Tirthankar is associated with an animal, object, or other such symbol.

Tirthankars 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".

List of Tirthankars

The 24 Tirthankars 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. Mahavir - Lion

All the Tirthankars are said to have been princes, who adopted asceticism; except for the 19^th, which Svetambaras believe to have been a woman.