Explain the symbols of tirthankars

Here are the symbols (lanchhan) of the 24 Tirthankaras, with note on any differences between Shvetambar and Digambar traditions. Each symbol helps identify the Tirthankar on idols and temples.

1) Rishabhanatha (Adinath) – Bull 2) Ajitnatha – Elephant 3) Sambhavanatha – Horse 4) Abhinandannatha – Monkey 5) Sumatinatha – Goose or Heron (difference: Śvetāmbara uses heron; Digambara often notes goose) 6) Padmaprabha – Lotus 7) Suparshvanatha – Swastika 8) Chandraprabha – Moon 9) Pushpadanta (Suvidhinatha) – Crocodile 10) Shitalnatha – Kalpavriksha (Śvetāmbara also uses Shrivatsa) 11) Shreyamsanatha – Rhinoceros 12) Vasupujya – Buffalo 13) Vimalanatha – Boar 14) Anantanatha – Falcon (Digambara); Porcupine ( Śvetāmbara sometimes noted 15) Dharmanatha – Vajra (Thunderbolt) 16) Shantinatha – Deer 17) Kunthunatha – Goat 18) Aranatha – Fish 19) Mallinatha – Kalasha (pot) (Śvetāmbara sometimes uses Kalasha; Digambara uses a different note for some) 20) Munisuvratnath – Tortoise 21) Naminath – Blue Lotus 22) Neminath – Conch shell 23) Parshwanath – Snake 24) Mahavira – Lion

Important points

• Each Tirthankar has a distinct emblem (lanchhan) used in temples and statues to identify them.
• Some symbols differ slightly between Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions; the core meaning remains the same across traditions.

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