In Jain Dharma, 24 Tirthankars are accepted in each half-cycle of time in this current era of Avasarpini and also in Utsarpini. The number is 24 because that is the fixed spiritual order described in Jain tradition for the present time-cycle.

Why exactly 24?

• A Tirthankar is a fully enlightened soul who shows the path to liberation.
• In each half-cycle of time, 24 such great souls arise.
• Their number is not arbitrary; it is part of the cosmic and karmic arrangement of the Jain view of time.

Meaning of 24

The 24 Tirthankars also help establish the complete teaching of dharma in this age. They are:

• spiritual guides,
• founders of the tirth of liberation,
• and examples of perfect conduct.

Important point

Jain Dharma does not say only 24 Tirthankars can exist forever in all time. It says that in the current time cycle, there are 24 Tirthankars in this half-cycle.

Traditional reason

The Jain scriptures explain this as a fixed law of the universe, not as a human-made count. Each Tirthankar appears when the time is suitable for reviving the true path of:

• Ahimsa
• Satya
• Aparigraha
• Self-restraint
• Liberation

So, we have 24 Tirthankars because that is the established order of this time-cycle in Jain cosmology.