Answer

According to Jain tradition, there is no future Tirthankara in the present avasarpiṇī because Lord Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of this descending time cycle.

Explanation

In Jain cosmology, time moves in two half-cycles:

• Avasarpiṇī: descending half-cycle
• Utsarpiṇī: ascending half-cycle

Each half-cycle has 24 Tirthankaras. In the current avasarpiṇī, all 24 have already appeared, ending with Bhagwan Mahavira. The next Tirthankara will arise in the next utsarpiṇī, when the conditions become suitable again.

Spiritual Understanding

This teaching reminds us that the path shown by the Tirthankaras is eternal, even though their physical appearance follows cosmic time. So while no future Tirthankara is expected now, the Dharma they revealed remains a guide for liberation.

Takeaway

In the present Jain time cycle, Mahavira is the final Tirthankara. The next Tirthankara will come only in a future cosmic age.