Aagami 24 tirthankar
According to Jainism, the concept of Tirthankaras is central. In every half cycle of time (Avasarpini), there are 24 Tirthankaras who appear to guide souls towards liberation (moksha). Currently, we are in the Avasarpini (descending half cycle), and the 24th Tirthankara is Lord Mahavira, who lived in the 6th century BCE.
The concept of Aagami (future) 24 Tirthankaras refers to the next set of 24 Tirthankaras who will appear in the upcoming Utsarpini (ascending half cycle) of time. Jain scriptures, particularly the Kalpasutra and other texts, mention that after the end of the current cycle, a new cycle will begin, and 24 new Tirthankaras will arise. However, the names and details of these future Tirthankaras are not provided in the commonly available Jain scriptures. The focus in Jainism is on the current set of 24 Tirthankaras and their teachings.
To summarize:
- In every half cycle (Avasarpini and Utsarpini), there are 24 Tirthankaras.
- The current 24 Tirthankaras have already appeared; Mahavira is the last of this era.
- The identities of the next (Aagami) 24 Tirthankaras are not described in detail in Jain scriptures.
- Jainism emphasises following the teachings of the present 24 Tirthankaras for spiritual progress.
If you would like to know the names or details of the current 24 Tirthankaras, please let me know!