In Jain Dharma, each Tirthankar (Tirthaṅkara) has a unique lanchhan (emblem or symbol) that helps devotees identify him in temples, sculptures, and art. This emblem is part of the traditional iconography and is used across both Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, though the exact depictions can vary slightly by tradition and region.

Key points about lanchhan (emblems) and their significance:

• Purpose: The emblem serves as a recognizable identity for the Tirthankar, helping pilgrims remember his story, virtues, and teachings.
• Meaning: The emblem is chosen to reflect certain qualities or legends associated with that Tirthankar. For example, a bull, lion, elephant, or lotus is not random—they symbolize strength, majesty, taming of desires, spiritual auspiciousness, or other aspects of the Tirthankar’s life.
• Visual role: In temples and mosaic art, the lanchhan appears beside or beneath the Tirthankar’s image, reinforcing memory and devotion during puja and study.
• Color and form: Iconographic colors and the precise representation of the emblem can differ by school (Digambar vs. Shwetambar) and regional iconography, but the underlying idea remains the same: a distinct symbol to identify the Tirthankar.

About the term “lalchan” specifically:

• The word “lalchan” (lit. red emblem/mark) is not a standard or universally used term in classical Jain iconography. The well-attested concept in Jain art is simply “lanchhan” or “lanchhan symbols,” which refer to the official emblem assigned to each Tirthankar.
• If you have a particular text, temple, or tradition where “lalchan” is used, I can help explain that context precisely (and note any differences between Digambar and Shwetambar interpretations).

If you’d like, I can list the traditional lanchhans for each Tirthankar and explain their symbolic meanings, noting any Digambar vs. Shwetambar variations.