The 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism
🧭 Who are Tirthankaras?
In Jainism, a Tirthankara is a spiritual teacher who has conquered the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and has established a Tirtha (spiritual ford) — a path for others to cross over the ocean of worldly existence.
- The word Tirthankara literally means “ford-maker.”
- They do not create the universe but liberate themselves and then guide others.
- Each of them re-establishes the fourfold Jain Sangha — monks, nuns, male lay followers (shravakas), and female lay followers (shravikas).
- While Mahavira (24th) is historical, most of the others are considered legendary, with Rishabhanatha (1st) mentioned even in Rigveda and Bhagavata Purana.
🧾 Memory Tip for UPSC:
Most frequently asked:
- 1st, 23rd, 24th → Direct UPSC questions
- Their symbols often come in matching-type or art questions
- Note that Mallinatha (19th) is the only female Tirthankara as per Shvetambaras
🪷 List of 24 Tirthankaras with Symbols
| S. No | Name | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) | Bull 🐂 |
| 2. | Ajitanatha | Elephant 🐘 |
| 3. | Sambhavanatha | Horse 🐎 |
| 4. | Abhinandananatha | Monkey 🐒 |
| 5. | Sumatinatha | Red Goose 🪿 |
| 6. | Padmaprabha | Red Lotus 🌺 |
| 7. | Suparshvanatha | Swastika 卐 |
| 8. | Chandraprabha | Crescent Moon 🌙 |
| 9. | Pushpadanta (Suvidhinatha) | Crocodile 🐊 |
| 10. | Shitalanatha | Shrivatsa ✨ |
| 11. | Shreyansanatha | Rhinoceros 🦏 |
| 12. | Vasupujya | Buffalo 🐃 |
| 13. | Vimalanatha | Boar 🐗 |
| 14. | Anantnatha | Falcon 🦅 |
| 15. | Dharmanatha | Thunderbolt (Vajra) ⚡ |
| 16. | Shantinatha | Deer 🦌 |
| 17. | Kunthunatha | Goat 🐐 |
| 18. | Aranatha | Fish 🐟 |
| 19. | Mallinatha | Water pot 🪣 |
| 20. | Munisuvrata | Tortoise 🐢 |
| 21. | Naminatha | Blue Lotus 🌸 |
| 22. | Neminatha (Arishtanemi) | Conch Shell 🐚 |
| 23. | Parshvanatha | Snake 🐍 |
| 24. | Mahavira | Lion 🦁 |
🎯 Quick Facts to Remember
| Tirthankara | Quick Recall |
| 1. Rishabhanatha | First Tirthankara; symbol Bull; mentioned in Rigveda and Bhagavata Purana |
| 19. Mallinatha | Only female Tirthankara (as per Shvetambaras) |
| 22. Neminatha | Cousin of Krishna; renounced on wedding day |
| 23. Parshvanatha | Historical Tirthankara; predecessor to Mahavira |
| 24. Mahavira | Most historically established; founder of Jain Sangha in 6th century BCE |
🧘 Memory Mnemonic
You can use a rough mnemonic to recall the symbols, especially for top 5 + last 3 which are important:
“Real Amazing Saints Always Spread Love”
Rishabh (Bull) → Ajita (Elephant) → Sambhava (Horse) → Abhinandana (Monkey) → Sumati (Goose) → …
Ending with:
“New Path to Moksha = Snake, Lion, Shell”
Neminatha (Conch) → Parshvanatha (Snake) → Mahavira (Lion)
✅ UPSC Tip
- Often “Who is symbolized by Snake?”, “Water pot?” or “Only female Tirthankara?” type MCQs are seen in UPSC prelims and state PCS.
- Art & Culture section also refers to these symbols in temple iconography.
- Jain temples often depict Mahavira with Lion, Parshvanatha with Snake hood, and Rishabhanatha with Hairlocks + Bull.