Answer

Jain Dharma is one of the most ancient spiritual traditions of India. In Jain understanding, it is not founded by one single historical person. It is an eternal Dharma that is re-established in every time cycle by the Tirthankars.

The present time cycle recognizes 24 Tirthankars, beginning with Bhagwan Rishabhdev and ending with Bhagwan Mahavir Swami.

Explanation

In Jain tradition, the Tirthankars are enlightened beings who rediscover and teach the path to liberation. They do not create the soul, karma, or the universe; rather, they reveal the eternal truth.

The 24 Tirthankars of the present era are central to Jain history. Among them:

• Bhagwan Rishabhdev is the first Tirthankar of this time cycle. Jain tradition describes him as the one who taught human society many basic arts, occupations, and social systems.
• Bhagwan Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankar, is traditionally placed before Bhagwan Mahavir. He taught four main vows: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, and non-possession.
• Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankar, lived in ancient India and strongly revived the Jain Sangh. He emphasized the five great vows: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.

After Bhagwan Mahavir attained Nirvana, his teachings were preserved by Jain monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. Over time, Jain communities developed strong traditions of scripture study, temple worship, meditation, fasting, compassion, and disciplined ethical living.

Jain Dharma later continued through different traditions, mainly:

• Digambar tradition
• Shwetambar tradition

Both traditions deeply revere the Tirthankars, karma theory, ahimsa, self-discipline, and the goal of moksha, though they differ in some scriptural and historical details.

Spiritual Understanding

The history of Jain Dharma is not only a record of events. It is the story of the soul’s journey from bondage to liberation.

Its central teachings are:

• Ahimsa — non-violence toward all living beings
• Anekantvad — understanding truth from many viewpoints
• Aparigraha — non-attachment and limiting possessions
• Karma Siddhant — every soul experiences the results of its own actions
• Moksha — complete freedom from karma and rebirth

Takeaway

Jain Dharma is an ancient, eternal path taught by the Tirthankars. Its history is centered on spiritual purification, compassion for all living beings, and the journey of the soul toward liberation.