Future tirthankars
According to Jainism, a Tirthankar is a spiritual teacher who has achieved perfect knowledge (Kevala Jnana) and establishes the fourfold Jain Sangha (monk, nun, layman, laywoman). Jain scriptures mention that there are 24 Tirthankars in each half-cycle of time (Avasarpini and Utsarpini).
Current Time Cycle: We are currently in the fifth era (Pancham Kaal) of the present Avasarpini (descending half cycle). According to Jain cosmology and scriptures, no new Tirthankars will appear in the remaining part of this Avasarpini. The 24th and last Tirthankar of this cycle was Lord Mahavira, who lived around 599–527 BCE.
Future Tirthankars:
- In the current time cycle, according to Jain belief, there will be no more Tirthankars until the next Utsarpini (ascending half-cycle) begins.
- In the next Utsarpini, 24 new Tirthankars will be born, but their names and details are not specified in present canonical Jain texts.
- Some Jain texts, such as the "Trilokasara," provide lists of Tirthankars for future cycles, but these are considered part of cosmological teachings and are not directly relevant to current times.
Summary: In the present era, as per Jainism, there will be no future Tirthankars. The concept of future Tirthankars is tied to future time cycles, not our current one.