Here is a simple guide to the symbols (lanchhan) of the 24 Tirthankaras and why they are used, with note on differences between Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions.

• 1. Rishabhanatha (Adinath) – Bull

- Reason: his name itself means “bull,” and the bull stands for strength and stability. This emblem helps devotees recognize the first Tirthankara.

• 2. Ajitnatha – Elephant

- Reason: elephant symbolizes majesty and conquest over fear; used to identify him.

• 3. Sambhavanath – Horse

- Reason: horse represents swiftness and triumph in pursuit of spiritual progress.

• 4. Abhinandannath – Monkey

- Reason: the monkey is the emblem of this Tirthankara and serves as a recognizable sign.

• 5. Sumatinath – Goose or Heron

- Śvetāmbara: goose/heron; Digambara: sometimes described as red goose. - Reason: the bird emblem aids easy identification.

• 6. Padmaprabha – Lotus

- Reason: the lotus signifies purity and spiritual blossoming.

• 7. Suparshvanath – Swastika

- Reason: the swastika is a long-standing symbol of auspiciousness and dharma.

• 8. Chandraprabha – Moon

- Reason: the crescent moon marks this Tirthankara’s emblem.

• 9. Pushpadanta (Suvidhinath) – Crocodile

- Reason: crocodile is the traditional sign for this Tirthankara.

• 10. Shitalnath – Kalpavriksha (Desire-fulfilling tree)

- Śvetāmbara also notes Srivatsa; emblem is the Kalpavriksha for many images. - Reason: the wish-fulfilling tree symbolizes abundance of spiritual merit.

• 11. Shreyamsanath – Rhinoceros

- Reason: the rhinoceros is the identifying symbol.

• 12. Vasupujya – Buffalo

- Reason: buffalo as emblem helps followers recognize him.

• 13. Vimalanath – Boar

- Reason: the boar represents this Tirthankara’s emblem.

• 14. Anantanath – Falcon (Digambara); Porcupine (Śvetāmbara sometimes noted)

- Reason: the emblem varies slightly by tradition, but serves as the marker for this Tirthankara.

• 15. Dharmanath – Vajra (Thunderbolt)

- Reason: symbol of firm, unwavering dharma.

• 16. Shantinath – Deer

- Reason: deer as emblem marks this Tirthankara.

• 17. Kunthunath – Goat

- Reason: goat emblem for easy identification.

• 18. Aranath – Fish

- Digambara uses fish; emblem helps distinguish him.

• 19. Mallinath – Kalasha (Pot)

- Śvetāmbara sometimes uses Kalasha; Digambara has a related marker. - Reason: the pot symbolizes abundance and fullness of merit.

• 20. Munisuvratnath – Tortoise

- Reason: tortoise emblem signifies steadiness and long effort.

• 21. Naminath – Blue Lotus

- Reason: blue lotus as symbol of purity.

• 22. Neminath – Conch shell

- Reason: conch marks this Tirthankara’s emblem.

• 23. Parshwanath – Snake

- Reason: snake emblem is the recognizable sign.

• 24. Mahavira – Lion

- Reason: lion stands for courage and supreme dharma in this age.

Why symbols matter

• Each Tirthankara has a distinct emblem to help devotees identify them in idols and temples, since many postures for meditation look similar.
• There are small differences in some symbols between Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions, but the core purpose and the spiritual meaning remain the same.

You can read a concise list and notes on Śvetāmbara vs. Digambara distinctions here: