In Jainism, the concept of 24 Tirthankaras is fundamental and deeply rooted in its scriptures and traditions. A Tirthankara is a spiritual teacher who has conquered saṃsāra (the cycle of birth and death) and helps others achieve liberation (moksha). According to Jain belief, time is eternal and cyclical, divided into ascending (utsarpini) and descending (avasarpini) half-cycles. In every such half-cycle, exactly 24 Tirthankaras appear to re-establish the Jain dharma (path).

This number—24—is not arbitrary but is revealed in Jain scriptures such as the Kalpa Sūtra and other Agamas. The list of the 24 Tirthankaras for the current avasarpini is well-defined, with Lord Mahavira being the 24th and last Tirthankara of this era.

Many souls have indeed attained liberation (moksha), but not all become Tirthankaras. Tirthankaras are unique because they establish the "fourfold order" (chaturvidha sangha) of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen, and lay down the path for others by revitalizing Jain teachings. Other liberated souls, known as siddhas, may attain moksha by following the path shown by Tirthankaras, but they do not have the world-redeeming role of a Tirthankara.

The logic and number of Tirthankaras are not "proposed" by a single individual but are believed to be revealed truths, passed down through Jain scriptures and by the omniscient knowledge (kevala jnana) of the Tirthankaras themselves. This is a matter of faith and doctrinal tradition in Jainism.

In summary:

• There are 24 Tirthankaras in every half-cycle of time, as revealed in Jain scriptures.
• Many souls attain liberation, but only 24 in each era are Tirthankaras, who establish the path for others.
• This is a unique Jain doctrine and one of its fundamental beliefs.