In Jainism, we do not believe that any one person “started” the religion.

• Jain Dharma is anādi – meaning beginningless and eternal.

It was not created by any god or human.

• In every time-cycle, Tirthankars (Ford-makers) rediscover and re-establish this eternal dharma when it is forgotten.

• In our current time-cycle:

- Bhagwan Rishabhdev (Ādināth) is the first Tirthankar who preached Jain dharma again. - Bhagwan Mahavir is the 24th and last Tirthankar of this cycle. He did not start Jainism; he revived and clarified the same eternal Jain dharma.

So, the correct Jain view is:

> Jain religion has no founder; it is eternal. > Tirthankars like Rishabhdev and Mahavir only re-discovered and taught it again to the world.