In Jain dharma, Tirthankar‑nāma‑karma (the special karma to become a Tirthankar) is not bound in the 5th ārā.

Very simple points:

1. Where can Tirthankar karma be bound?

- In our Bharat Kshetra, according to Jain scriptures, Tirthankar‑nāma‑karma is bound only in the 3rd and 4th ārā of a half‑cycle (Avasarpinī or Utsarpinī). - In these eras, both inner purity and outer conditions are suitable for such very high-level vows (like 35 Atichār‑free charitras, etc.), which are needed for Tirthankar‑karma bandha.

1. What about the 5th ārā (Pancham Kaal)?

- We are now in the 5th ārā of Avasarpinī in Bharat Kshetra. - This is a duṣam (spiritually degraded) period: - No new Tirthankars will appear here now. - And the cause for Tirthankars (Tirthankar‑nāma‑karma) is also no longer bound in such a time. - So, in 5th ārā, a soul cannot newly bind Tirthankar‑nāma‑karma in Bharat Kshetra.

1. Digambar / Shvetambar view

- Both traditions agree on the general rule: - Tirthankars of our current Avasarpinī in Bharat Kshetra all appeared in 3rd and 4th ārā only, - and none are born in 5th and 6th ārā. - Therefore, Tirthankar‑gotra / Tirthankar‑nāma‑karma bandha is not described for 5th ārā.

So, in clear words:

• No, in 5th ārā a soul does not bind Tirthankar‑karma.
• All 24 Tirthankars of our present half‑cycle have already come in the earlier eras; now in 5th ārā there is neither their birth nor fresh bandha of that special karma in Bharat Kshetra.

You can read a simple explanation about Tirthankars and time‑cycle here