Short answer: Tirthankaras are not ordinary gods. They are perfected, enlightened beings who achieve moksha (liberation) after many lifetimes of practice.

Key points:

• They were humans who undertook great austerities and discipline.
• Through intense spiritual effort, they attain kevala jnana (omniscience) and perfect liberation.
• After enlightenment, they reside in a liberated realm and forever guide others, establishing the path (tirth) for liberation.
• They are not worshipped as gods in Jainism; they are revered as perfectly enlightened souls who show the right path.
• There is no difference between Digambar and Shwetambar views on the basic idea: a Tirthankara is a human who becomes an enlightened, liberated being.

So, in Jainism the Tirthankaras are example-worthy beings who started as humans and, through their own spiritual work, attained the highest realization.