Answer

In Jain Dharma, a Tirthankara is born when a highly purified soul takes birth for its final human life in order to re-establish the fourfold Jain Sangh and show the path to liberation.

According to Jain tradition, 24 Tirthankaras are born in each half-cycle of time:

• 24 in Avasarpini — the descending half-cycle of time
• 24 in Utsarpini — the ascending half-cycle of time

We are currently in the Avasarpini time-cycle. The 24 Tirthankaras of this era have already been born, from Bhagwan Rishabhdev to Bhagwan Mahavir.

Explanation

A Tirthankara is not an ordinary divine birth. Before becoming a Tirthankara, the soul has earned special Tirthankara-nam-karma through extremely pure conduct, compassion, spiritual discipline, and upliftment of others.

At birth, a Tirthankara possesses extraordinary spiritual greatness. In Jain tradition, the birth of a Tirthankara is celebrated as Janma Kalyanak, one of the five great auspicious events in a Tirthankara’s life.

Spiritual Understanding

The birth of a Tirthankara is important because the Tirthankara teaches:

• Right Faith
• Right Knowledge
• Right Conduct
• Ahimsa
• Self-control
• The path to Moksha

Takeaway

Tirthankaras are born at spiritually significant times to guide souls back to the path of liberation. In our present time-cycle, the 24 Tirthankaras have already appeared, and their teachings continue to guide Jain Dharma.