According to Jainism, there are 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual victors or ford-makers) in every half-time cycle (Avasarpini and Utsarpini). Rishabhanatha (also known as Adinath) is recognized as the first Tirthankara of the current Avasarpini (descending half-cycle). There are no Tirthankaras before Rishabhanatha in the current time cycle.

However, Jain scriptures describe that in previous time cycles (Utsarpinis and Avasarpinis), there have been countless sets of 24 Tirthankaras, but the names and details of Tirthankaras from previous cycles are generally not listed in the main texts followed by present Jain tradition.

Therefore, in the current time cycle, there is no Tirthankara before Rishabhanatha; he is the first. The next 23 Tirthankaras follow after him, ending with Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of this cycle.