Answer

Jainism did not start with one human founder in the way many religions do. According to Jain tradition, Jain Dharma is eternal. It is taught again and again in every time cycle by enlightened beings called Tirthankars.

In the present time cycle, Jain Dharma was first taught by Bhagwan Rishabhdev, the 1st Tirthankar, and later revived and clearly taught by the 24th Tirthankar, Bhagwan Mahavir.

Explanation

Jain tradition teaches that truth is eternal, but people forget it over time. To guide souls back toward liberation, Tirthankars appear and re-establish the path of:

• Ahimsa – non-violence
• Satya – truthfulness
• Achaurya – non-stealing
• Brahmacharya – purity/self-restraint
• Aparigraha – non-attachment

Bhagwan Rishabhdev is regarded as the first Tirthankar of this era. Bhagwan Mahavir, who lived later, did not create Jainism as a new religion; rather, he revived and preached the eternal Jain path with great clarity.

Spiritual Understanding

The core of Jainism is that every soul has the potential to become pure, free from karma, and attain moksha. Jain Dharma teaches that liberation is achieved through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

Takeaway

Jainism is understood in Jain tradition as an eternal Dharma, re-taught in this era by Bhagwan Rishabhdev and renewed by Bhagwan Mahavir for the spiritual upliftment of all souls.