Tirtankars and symbols

Here is the standard set of symbols (lanchhan) for the 24 Tirthankaras, with a note on common differences between Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions. The emblem serves to identify each Tirthankara in idols and scriptures, and its deeper meaning (arth) is explained briefly after the list.

• 1) Rishabhanatha (Adinath) — Bull

- Arth: strength, steadfastness; the primal rhythm of life.

• 2) Ajitanatha — Elephant

- Arth: majesty, fearlessness, conquering inner obstacles.

• 3) Sambhavanatha — Horse

- Arth: swiftness in right conduct and progress on the spiritual path.

• 4) Abhinandananatha — Monkey

- Arth: cleverness in non-violence, playful ease in right faith.

• 5) Sumatinatha — Curlew/Goose (disputed)

- Arth: alert discernment and clarity of intention.

• 6) Padmaprabha — Lotus

- Arth: purity, awakening, discrimination, serenity.

• 7) Suparshvanatha — Swastika

- Arth: auspiciousness, righteous conduct.

• 8) Chandraprabha — Moon

- Arth: illumination, purity, serenity.

• 9) Pushpadanta (Suvidhinatha) — Crocodile

- Arth: presence of auspicious merits and protective strength.

• 10) Shitalnatha — Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) or Shrivatsa (variant)

- Arth: fulfillment of sincere wishes through right conduct.

• 11) Shreyankssnatha (Shreyansanatha) — Rhinoceros

- Arth: power of discernment and steadfast practice.

• 12) Vasupujya — Buffalo

- Arth: endurance and steadfast ethics.

• 13) Vimalnatha — Boar

- Arth: practical righteousness and grounding.

• 14) Anantanatha — Hawk/Falcon (Digambar); Porcupine (some Śvetāmbara lists)

- Arth: sharp discrimination and fearless pursuit of truth.

• 15) Dharmanatha — Vajra (Thunderbolt)

- Arth: firmness of vow and non-attachment.

• 16) Shantinatha — Deer

- Arth: calmness, peace, gentle conduct.

• 17) Kunthunatha — Goat

- Arth: humility and steady practice.

• 18) Aranatha — Fish

- Arth: adaptability and freedom from bondage.

• 19) Mallinatha — Kalasha (pot)

- Arth: sustenance of the Dharma and abundant compassion.

• 20) Munisuvrata — Tortoise

- Arth: steadfastness and long-suffering perseverance.

• 21) Naminatha — Blue Lotus

- Arth: spiritual purity and serenity.

• 22) Neminatha — Conch

- Arth: auspicious fame and turning away from ego.

• 23) Parshvanatha — Snake

- Arth: renunciation and protective compassion.

• 24) Mahavira — Lion

- Arth: fearless proclamation of the Dharma and supreme courage.

Notes on tradition differences

• Some emblems vary between Śvetāmbara and Digambar traditions for a few Tirthankaras (notably Sumatinath, Shitalnath, Anantanath, and Anantanatha, among others). The core idea remains the same: each Tirthankara has a unique symbol to help devotees identify them and to remind followers of their teaching. The differences are traditional identifiers, not changes in the core meaning of the teachings.

You can read more about these symbols and their meanings on pages dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras and their lanchhan.