Here is a simple, Jain-documents-based explanation.

• What are Atit and Anagat Tirthankaras?

- Atit Tirthankaras: those who have already appeared and attained kevala jnana in past cycles (earlier half-cycles). In Jain cosmology, time is cyclical, and beings can become Tirthankaras in different cycles. Atit Tirthankaras belong to earlier cycles than the present one. - Anagat Tirthankaras: those who will appear in future cycles (after the present cycle ends) and attain kevala jnana then. In other words, they are the Tirthankaras of future eras. - In the current half-cycle (avasarpini) there are 24 Tirthankaras who have already appeared in this era, from Rishabhanatha up to Mahavira. After Mahavira, in this same cycle there are no more Tirthankaras to appear; the next Tirthankaras would arise in the next ascending half-cycle (utsarpini). ( jainknowledge.com)

• The 24 Tirthankaras of the present era (avasarpini)

1. Rishabhanatha (Adinath) 2. Ajitanatha 3. Sambhavanatha 4. Abhinandannath 5. Sumatinath 6. Padmaprabha 7. Suparshvanath 8. Chandraprabha 9. Pushpadanta (Suvidhinath) 10. Shitalnath 11. Shreyansanath 12. Vasupujya 13. Vimalanath 14. Anantanath 15. Dharmanath 16. Shantinath 17. Kunthunath 18. Aranath 19. Mallinath 20. Munisuvratnath 21. Naminath 22. Neminath 23. Parshwanath 24. Mahavira (Vardhamana)

These names, their symbols, and their stories are consistently taught across Jain traditions as the 24 ford-makers of this era. For a concise list with symbols, you can refer to the standard 24 Tirthankara line-up as shared in Jain education resources. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Where to read more in JainKnowledge.com

- A clear summary of the 24 Tirthankaras and their roles is available here. - About why exactly 24 Tirthankaras appear in each half-cycle (and the current cycle details). - A page that discusses past and future Tirthankaras in Jain belief.

If you want, I can give a plain-arth (meaning) for any one of the 24 Tirthankaras or explain a specific Tirthankar’s legend.