Answer

In Jain tradition, the Tirthankars of the present time-cycle were born and lived in the region connected with Bharat Kshetra, which corresponds to the Indian spiritual-cultural region described in Jain cosmology. That is why their life stories, places of birth, diksha, kevalgyan, and nirvana are connected mainly with India.

This does not mean Jain Dharma is only for India. Jain principles like ahimsa, truth, aparigraha, and self-purification are universal.

Explanation

According to Jain Dharma, the universe is beginningless and endless, and time moves in cycles. In each appropriate time-cycle and region, Tirthankars appear to re-establish the path of liberation.

For our current era:

• The 24 Tirthankars of this avasarpini time-cycle appeared in Bharat Kshetra.
• Their lives are therefore associated with places such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mithila, Champapuri, Girnar, Pavapuri, Sammed Shikharji, and other sacred regions.
• Traditional Jain history preserves these events through scriptures, temple traditions, pilgrimage places, and community memory.

Europe and America are not described in the traditional Jain accounts as the places where the 24 Tirthankars of this current time-cycle attained their major life events.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of a Tirthankar is not to belong to one country, race, or culture. A Tirthankar is a universal spiritual teacher who shows the path to moksha for all souls.

The location of their birth is historical and cosmological within Jain tradition, but their message is universal:

• Every soul can become pure.
• Liberation is possible through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• Ahimsa applies to all living beings everywhere.

Takeaway

The Tirthankars’ stories are centered around India because Jain tradition places the 24 Tirthankars of this time-cycle in Bharat Kshetra. But their teachings are not limited to India; they are meant for every soul, everywhere.