In Jainism, the 24 Tirthankaras are revered spiritual teachers who have achieved liberation (moksha) and have shown the path to others. The word "Tirthankara" means "Ford-maker," signifying one who has created a path across the stream of worldly existence (samsara) for others to follow. Each Tirthankara is believed to have attained perfect knowledge (Kevala Jnana) and has preached the principles of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

Here is a brief overview of the 24 Tirthankaras:

1. Rishabhanatha (Adinath) – The first Tirthankara, symbol: bull.
2. Ajitanatha – Second, symbol: elephant.
3. Sambhavanatha – Third, symbol: horse.
4. Abhinandananatha – Fourth, symbol: monkey.
5. Sumatinatha – Fifth, symbol: heron.
6. Padmaprabha – Sixth, symbol: red lotus.
7. Suparshvanatha – Seventh, symbol: swastika.
8. Chandraprabha – Eighth, symbol: moon.
9. Suvidhinatha (Pushpadanta) – Ninth, symbol: crocodile.
10. Shitalanatha – Tenth, symbol: srivatsa.
11. Shreyansanatha – Eleventh, symbol: rhinoceros.
12. Vasupujya – Twelfth, symbol: buffalo.
13. Vimalanatha – Thirteenth, symbol: boar.
14. Anantanatha – Fourteenth, symbol: falcon.
15. Dharmanatha – Fifteenth, symbol: vajra (thunderbolt).
16. Shantinatha – Sixteenth, symbol: deer.
17. Kunthunatha – Seventeenth, symbol: goat.
18. Aranatha – Eighteenth, symbol: fish.
19. Mallinatha – Nineteenth, symbol: water pot.
20. Munisuvratanatha – Twentieth, symbol: tortoise.
21. Naminatha – Twenty-first, symbol: blue lotus.
22. Neminatha – Twenty-second, symbol: conch shell.
23. Parshvanatha – Twenty-third, symbol: snake. He is particularly important and widely worshipped.
24. Mahavira (Vardhamana) – Twenty-fourth, symbol: lion. He is the last Tirthankara of this era and the founder of the present Jain community.

The teachings of these Tirthankaras form the core of Jain philosophy, emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). Their lives inspire millions of Jains to follow the path of righteousness and spiritual purity.