Answer

In Jain belief, Jain Dharma is beginningless and endless. It does not have a single human founder or a fixed “start date.” In the present time-cycle, Jain teachings are associated with the 24 Tirthankaras, beginning with Lord Rishabhanatha and ending with Lord Mahavira.

Explanation

Jain tradition teaches that truth is eternal. What changes is the availability of guidance in different periods of time.

• Jain Dharma itself is eternal
• Tirthankaras appear in each time-cycle to rediscover and teach the path
• In the current cycle, Lord Rishabhanatha is the first Tirthankara
• Lord Mahavira is the 24th Tirthankara

So, Jainism is not seen as something that “began” at one historical moment. It is considered an eternal spiritual path that is revealed again and again.

Spiritual Understanding

The heart of Jain Dharma is the journey of the soul toward liberation.

• The soul is eternal
• Karma binds the soul
• Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct lead to liberation

So the true purpose of Jain Dharma is not just its origin story, but the path it gives for freedom from karma.

Takeaway

Jain Dharma has no beginning and no end. It is an eternal truth, revealed in every era by the Tirthankaras.