Trithankaras (also spelled Tirthankaras) are the 24 supreme teachers in Jainism who spiritually revived the Jain path in each time cycle. They have conquered mental passions and attained kevala jnana (omniscient knowledge). After achieving this, they show the way to others and establish a proper path (dharma) for liberation.

Key points:

• There are exactly 24 Tirthankaras in the present cosmic half-cycle (utsarpiṇī and avasarpiṇī share the same list in Jain belief).
• They organize the Jain monastic order (the fourfold sangha) and set the code of ethics for both laypeople and monks.
• Their teachings and example guide beings from bondage to moksha (liberation).

Names in the current cycle, in order, start with Rishabhanatha (Adinath) and end with Mahavira. Mahavira is the 24th and final Tirthankara of this cycle. The main difference between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions is usually in details of stories and practices, not in the core idea: both honor 24 Tirthankaras and agree on Mahavira as the last one of this cycle.