Thrithankars and their symbols reason.

Here is a simple guide to the 24 Tirthankaras ( Thrithankars) and their lanchhana (symbols), with a brief note on why those symbols are used. In Jain tradition, these symbols help devotees identify each Tirthankara in temples and scriptures. You will see small differences between Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions for a few Tirthankaras.

• 1) Rishabhanatha (Adinath) — Bull. Why: bull is his emblem and represents strength and steadfastness.
• 2) Ajitnath — Elephant. Why: elephant as a sign of greatness and victory.
• 3) Sambhavanath — Horse. Why: horse stands for speed and courage.
• 4) Abhinandananath — Monkey. Why: monkey symbolizes agility and cleverness.
• 5) Sumatinath — Curlew (bird). Why: the curlew is a distinctive identifying mark.
• 6) Padmaprabha — Lotus. Why: purity and spiritual blossoming.
• 7) Suparshvanath — Swastika. Why: auspiciousness and cosmic order.
• 8) Chandraprabha — Moon. Why: serenity and illumination.
• 9) Pushpadanta (Pushpadanath) — Crocodile. Why: strength and resilience.
• 10) Shitalnath (Shitalānath) — Shrivatsa (a knot/mark). Why: auspicious symbol connected to abundance and auspiciousness.
• 11) Shreyank (Shreyansanath) — Rhinoceros. Why: robustness and fearlessness.
• 12) Vasupujya — Buffalo. Why: steadfastness and endurance.
• 13) Vimalnath — Boar. Why: tenacity and straightforwardness.
• 14) Anantanath — Hawk. Why: sharp vision and vast reach.
• 15) Dharmanath — Vajra (diamond/thunderbolt). Why: unwavering religious duty.
• 16) Shantinath — Deer. Why: serenity, peace, and compassion.
• 17) Kunthunath — Goat. Why: simplicity and humility.
• 18) Aranath (Aranāth) — Fish (Nandavarta in Śvetāmbara; some traditions note a fish motif). Why: fluidity and adaptability in renunciation.
• 19) Mallinath — Kalasha (holy pot) or sometimes a pitcher. Why: abundance, nourishment, and charitable giving.
• 20) Munisuvratnath — Tortoise. Why: longevity, steadfast practice, and slow, steady progress.
• 21) Naminath — Blue Lotus. Why: purity of intention and tranquil mind.
• 22) Neminath — Conch. Why: call to truth and the spreading of his teachings.
• 23) Parshvanath — Serpent. Why: his ascetic power and non-attachment; serpent is a distinctive emblem.
• 24) Mahavira (Vardhamana) — Lion. Why: royal strength, courage, and the awakening of Dharma.

Some notes on tradition:

• The core idea of lanchhan is the same in Śvetāmbara and Digambara contexts, but a few symbols differ between the two sects. For example, the 5th, 10th, 14th, 18th, and 23rd Tirthankaras sometimes show alternate symbols in Digambara vs. Śvetāmbara lists. These variations are acknowledged in traditional catalogs, and both sets are considered valid within their respective ecosystems.

You can read more about the 24 Tirthankaras and their symbols here: