In Jainism, all Tirthankaras are equally perfect and equally worthy of worship. But in day‑to‑day practice it looks like “only a few” are worshipped more. Why?

Here are the main reasons, in simple points:

1. Spiritual principle – all are equal

- Every Tirthankara attains Keval‑jnan and becomes Arihant and then Siddha. - In Namokar Mantra we do not take any specific name – we bow to all Arihants and Siddhas of all times and all places. - So in tattva (doctrine), there is no higher or lower among Tirthankaras.

1. Historical & practical reasons – some become more famous

In temples and rituals, a few Tirthankaras are seen more often, for example: - Śrī Rishabhdev (Ādināth) - Śrī Shantinath - Śrī Neminath - Śrī Pārshvanath - Śrī Mahavir Swami Why these especially? - More temples and murtis of them were established in ancient times. - More stories (charitra), miracles, and pilgrimage places are connected with them, so people feel closer and remember them more. - Certain Tirthankaras are “kul‑devi / kul‑devta type” for many families or regions, so their worship becomes stronger there.

1. All 24 are worshipped, but not always in every temple

- Many big derasars have all 24 Tirthankaras in some form (e.g., 24 devkulikas, 24 tonks, 24 yantras, or panels on walls). - But usually only one main mulnayak idol is in the center. That mulnayak may be any one of the 24, and others are around or in side shrines. - Because of this, people feel as if “only that” Tirthankara is worshipped there, though mentally and in mantras they bow to all.

1. Sect (Digambar / Shvetambar) point

- Both traditions fully accept and worship all 24 Tirthankaras of this avasarpini (current time‑cycle). - Differences are only in: - Style of idol (clothing or no clothing, eyes open/closed, etc.). - Which Tirthankara is more popular in which region or lineage. - But the basic belief is the same: all Tirthankaras are omniscient and worthy of equal veneration.

1. Main idea to remember

- Our real namaskar is to the qualities: perfect knowledge, faith, conduct, and total freedom from karma. - Whether we stand before Mahavir’s idol or Pārshvanath’s idol, our bhakti should be: “I bow to these qualities in all Tirthankaras and I wish to develop them in myself.”

So, only a few seem to be worshipped more because of history, temples, and tradition, but according to Jain dharma, every Tirthankara – known or unknown, past, present, future – is equally worship‑worthy.