Answer

In Jain Dharma, we know the lives of the Tirthankars through the Jain scriptural and traditional lineage preserved by the Ganadhars, Acharyas, monks, and Jain communities over many centuries.

Their lives are described in Jain Agams, Puranas, Charitras, and traditional texts accepted within Jain tradition.

Explanation

According to Jain tradition:

• Tirthankars attain Keval Gyan, perfect and complete knowledge.
• After attaining Keval Gyan, they give divine teachings called Divya Dhvani.
• Their chief disciples, called Ganadhars, understand and organize those teachings.
• These teachings are then preserved through the lineage of Acharyas, Upadhyays, Sadhus, and Sadhvis.
• Over time, the lives and teachings of Tirthankars were recorded in sacred and traditional Jain texts.

The life stories of Tirthankars are found in texts such as:

• Kalpa Sutra — especially important in the Shvetambar tradition for the lives of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, Bhagwan Parshvanath, Bhagwan Neminath, and Bhagwan Mahavir.
• Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra — describes the 63 great beings, including the 24 Tirthankars.
• Adipurana — especially connected with the life of Bhagwan Rishabhdev in Digambar tradition.
• Mahapurana and other Jain Puranic/Charitra literature.

Spiritual Understanding

Jains do not see Tirthankar stories as ordinary biographies. They are sacred lives showing:

• how the soul rises through purity, compassion, and detachment,
• how karmas are destroyed through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct,
• how a Tirthankar becomes a guide for countless souls,
• and how liberation is possible for every soul.

Some details are understood through scripture, some through ancient Jain tradition, and some are emphasized differently in different Jain sects. Where traditions vary, Jain Dharma treats them with respect.

Takeaway

We know the lives of the Tirthankars because Jain tradition has preserved them through the sacred chain of Kevalis, Ganadhars, Acharyas, scriptures, and devotional memory. Their lives are not just history; they are spiritual maps for our own journey toward moksha.