Answer

Yes, that is correct.

In Jain tradition, the 24 Tirthankaras of the present Avasarpiṇī time cycle are the ones most commonly known, worshipped, recited, and listed — beginning with Bhagwan Rishabhdev and ending with Bhagwan Mahavir Swami.

The 24 Tirthankaras of the previous time cycle are also described in Jain tradition, but their names are not commonly recited in daily worship like the present 24 Tirthankaras.

Explanation

Jain cosmology explains that time moves in continuous cycles:

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

In each half-cycle, 24 Tirthankaras appear in Bharat Kshetra and Airavat Kshetra when the proper spiritual conditions arise.

The present commonly recited 24 Tirthankaras belong to the current Avasarpiṇī.

Spiritual Understanding

The reason the present 24 are emphasized is because they are spiritually connected to our current age and tradition. Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankar of the present cycle, is the most recent Tirthankar and his teachings form the living foundation of the Jain Sangh today.

Takeaway

So yes — the previous cycle also had 24 Tirthankaras, but in regular Jain practice, the present 24 Tirthankaras are the primary focus of devotion, study, and remembrance.