Answer

In Jain Dharma, there are 24 Tirthankars in each half-cycle of time because this is the fixed structure of the Jain cosmic time cycle.

So, in our present descending half-cycle of time, there were exactly 24 Tirthankars — from Bhagwan Rishabhdev to Bhagwan Mahavir. Similarly, in the next ascending half-cycle, there will again be 24 Tirthankars.

Explanation

Jainism explains that time is beginningless and endless. It moves in repeated cycles:

• Utsarpini — ascending time cycle
• Avasarpini — descending time cycle

Each of these half-cycles has changing conditions of human life, strength, lifespan, morality, and spiritual capacity.

In every such half-cycle, Jain tradition teaches that 24 great souls become Tirthankars. A Tirthankar is not merely an enlightened soul, but one who:

• Attains Keval Gyan,
• Re-establishes the fourfold Jain Sangh,
• Shows the path of liberation,
• Creates a “Tirth” — a spiritual ford across the ocean of worldly existence.

The number 24 is therefore not chosen by human decision. It is part of the eternal order described in Jain tradition.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma does not say that only 24 souls can attain liberation. Countless souls can become Siddha.

But only certain extraordinary souls, after binding Tirthankar-nam-karma, become Tirthankars. They appear at specific times when Dharma needs to be re-established for the world.

So:

• Many souls can attain Moksha.
• Many Kevalis exist.
• But only 24 Tirthankars appear in one half-cycle of time.

Takeaway

There are 24 Tirthankars because, according to Jain cosmic order, each ascending and descending half-cycle of time has exactly 24 Tirthankars. This is an eternal principle of Jain tradition, not a limit on liberation itself.