In Jain Dharma, there is no single “beginning” in the ordinary sense.

Jain philosophy teaches that the soul, karma, and the universe are beginningless and endless. So Jain Dharma is considered anādi-ananta — without a first start and without an end.

How it is understood in Jain tradition:

• Jain Dharma is eternal.
• In every time cycle, 24 Tirthankars appear to rediscover and teach the path of liberation.
• The first Tirthankar of the current time cycle is Bhagwan Rishabhdev.
• The last Tirthankar of this cycle is Bhagwan Mahavir, who gave the final and most well-known teachings of the present era.

In simple words:

Jain Dharma was not started by one founder like a new religion. It is a timeless spiritual path that was revealed again and again by the Tirthankars for the liberation of souls.

Main goal of Jain Dharma:

To help the soul become free from karma through:

• Ahimsa
• Satya
• Asteya
• Brahmacharya
• Aparigraha

So, according to Jain belief, Jain Dharma did not “start” at one moment — it has always existed as an eternal truth.