Answer

In Jain tradition, the chinha or lāñchhana of each Tirthankar was not decided by one single person. It is a traditional identifier preserved through Jain scriptures, iconographic tradition, and temple practice.

Explanation

Each Tirthankar is worshipped in a similar serene form, so the chinha helps devotees identify which Tirthankar is being shown.

• It is part of Jain iconography.
• It has been preserved by tradition over generations.
• Jain acharyas, sthapatis, and artists followed this accepted tradition in making idols and illustrations.

So, the answer is: no one “invented” or individually decided all the chinha. They are understood as part of the long-standing Jain tradition handed down for recognition and devotion.

Spiritual Understanding

The chinha is not the main object of worship. The real focus is on the vitarag state, the pure soul, and the spiritual message of the Tirthankar.

The symbol simply helps:

• distinguish one Tirthankar from another
• support remembrance in पूजा and दर्शन
• maintain clarity in sacred art and temple worship

Takeaway

The chinha of the Tirthankars are traditional and inherited, not personally decided by one person. They are a sacred part of Jain devotional tradition used for पहचान and reverence.