Tirthankaraa

Tirthankara is a Sanskrit term used in Jainism to refer to a human perfected being and spiritual teacher who undertakes vows and reaches the pinnacle of knowledge and enlightenment. The word "Tirthankara" literally means "ford-maker" or "river-crosser" in Sanskrit, signifying their role in guiding souls across the ocean of suffering (samsara) to liberation (moksha). Jains believe that Tirthankaras appear periodically in the world to reveal the Jain dharma.

There are twenty-four Tirthankaras in each cosmic cycle according to Jain cosmology. The first Tirthankara of the current descending cycle was Rishabhanatha, also known as Adinatha. The most recent and twenty-fourth Tirthankara was Mahavira, who lived in the 6th century BCE and is considered the final Tirthankara of this era. Other prominent Tirthankaras include Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, and Neminatha, the twenty-second.

The Tirthankaras are not considered gods or creators. Instead, they are highly revered human beings who have achieved omniscience and released themselves from the cycle of birth and death. They teach the path to liberation through their example and teachings, which are preserved in Jain scriptures. The teachings of the Tirthankaras emphasize non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy or chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possession or non-attachment (aparigraha), known as the five great vows.