The Tirthankara reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Tirthankara

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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 19th, 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

external links

http://www.balasainet.com/members/jainism/tirthankar.html