According to Jain cosmology, time is divided into endless cycles, each consisting of two halves: Utsarpini (ascending) and Avasarpini (descending). Each half-cycle is further divided into six periods, called "aras."

We are currently in the 5th ara (Dukhama) of the Avasarpini (descending) half-cycle in Bharat Kshetra (our world region). According to Jain scriptures:

• The 5th ara lasts for 21,000 years.
• It is commonly believed, based on Jain tradition, that Lord Mahavira attained nirvana at the very end of the 4th ara, which was 2,551 years ago (as of 2024 CE, since Mahavira's nirvana is traditionally dated to 527 BCE).

So, to calculate the remaining years of the 5th ara:

21,000 years (total) – 2,551 years (elapsed) = 18,449 years (approximately remaining)

Therefore, according to Jain teachings, about 18,449 years of the 5th ara are still remaining.