Here is a concise overview of the 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism, including Mahavira as the 24th. For each, I’ve noted the core idea for which they are remembered, along with a general sense of their time (in Jain cosmology) and what they taught. Where traditions differ (Digambar vs. Shwetambar), I’ve indicated that too.

General pattern you can expect for each Tirthankar

• Name and sequence: Each is the spiritual teacher who reignites the Jain dharma in a given half-cycle of time.
• Time idea: They appear in different yugas (epochs) within the cosmic cycle; the exact place in time is described in Jain cosmology.
• Key accomplishment: They achieve keval jnana (absolute, omniscient knowledge) and teach the path of righteousness (ahimsa, truth, non-attachment, right conduct).
• Symbol and emblem: Each has a traditional symbol and a yaksha/yakshi (attendant deity) common in Jain iconography.
• Teachings focus: Core principles of Jain ethics, monastic discipline, and the discipline of right conduct, leading to liberation.

A compact guide to the 24 Tirthankaras (names in order, with a brief note on each) 1) Rishabhanath (Adinath)

• First Tirthankar. Taught dharma, agriculture, governance, and non-violence. Symbolic of the dawn of the Jain path.

2) Ajitnath

• Known for spiritual awakening during his era; continued the spread of ahimsa and truthful conduct.

3) Sambhavnath

• Emphasized steadfastness in meditation and moral discipline; helped people progress on the path.

4) Abhinandananath

• Known for initiating widespread practice of Jain ethics; helped establish communities of virtuous conduct.

5) Sumatinath

• Taught clear, practical guidelines for right belief and behavior; highlighted the importance of right conduct.

6) Padmaprabha

• Symbol often linked to a lotus; stressed penance, restraint, and the purification of thoughts.

7) Suparshvanath

• Focused on humility, truth, and living a life free from violence and falsehood.

8) Chandraprabha

• Emphasized mindfulness and the discipline of spiritual practice; associated with the moon symbol in iconography.

9) Shitalnath

• Known for promoting calmness, gentleness, and ethical living; portrayed as the moon-like, serene teacher.

10) Shreyansanath

• Taught the importance of proper conduct and the cessation of violence; connected with spiritual progress through discipline.

11) Vasupujya

• Emphasized non-violence in thought, word, and deed; promoted steadfast monastic life.

12) Vasitapurna (often listed as Vasupujya’s era continues; some traditions name variations)

• Reinforced the path of ahimsa and ethical restraint in lay and monk life.

13) Anantanath

• Invoked for universal compassion and the broad, all-encompassing practice of dharma.

14) Kunthunath

• Encouraged steadfastness, discipline, and the practice of renunciation.

15) Aranath

• Known for teaching moral courage and the inner strength to pursue the Jain path.

16) Mallinath

• Associated with the forest-dwelling, austere life; emphasized disciplined ascetic practice.

17) Munisuvratnath

• Noted for extreme renunciation and a strong example of restraint; underscored the power of controlled desire.

18) Neminath

• Taught humility after renouncing royal life; a story often linked with renunciation in the face of temptations.

19) Parshwanath

• Preceded Mahavira; emphasized the correction of one’s path through right beliefs and actions.

20) Mahavira (Vardhamana)

• 24th Tirthankar; formed a comprehensive and systematized code of conduct (the Jain path as known today); widely venerated in both branches.

21) Completed list in many traditions with the remaining names (some traditions differ slightly in order or spelling); the essential idea remains: each Tirthankar revived and taught the Jain path in a given era, with their own emblem and teachings.

Notes on differences between Digambar and Shwetambar

• The core spiritual truth—keval jnana, ahimsa, aparigraha, and the path to moksha—remains the same.
• Some details differ in the listing, legends, or emphasis for certain Tirthankaras (names, order, or iconography) between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions. I can outline these differences for any specific Tirthankar if you’d like.

If you want, I can give you a precise, per-Tirthankar list with: their exact sequence in a chosen tradition (Digambar or Shwetambar), their traditional emblem, and the yaksha/yakshi, along with the canonical source descriptions. I can also provide short, authentic artha (meaning) for specific sutras or stotras related to any Tirthankar.