Tirthankaras are the 24 enlightened beings in Jainism who show the way to liberation. They are spiritually perfected souls who have conquered all inner passions, attained keval jnan (infinite knowledge), and established the path for others to cross the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Key points:

• There are 24 Tirthankaras. The first is Rishabhanatha (Adinath) and the last is Mahavira.
• They revive and renew the Jain teaching (the path to liberation) in each world-age and build or renew the spiritual “ford” (tirth) across the sea of samsara.
• They teach right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct, helping beings progress toward liberation.
• Both major Jain communities—Digambaras and Svetambaras—revere the same 24 Tirthankaras, though there can be minor differences in legends or emphasis.

In short: Tirthankaras are the supreme teachers who guide souls to ultimate enlightenment and release.