Answer

According to Jain tradition, we have been in the 5th era of the present descending time cycle — called Duṣamā Kāla — for a little over 2,500 years.

The 5th era began after the nirvāṇa of Bhagwan Mahāvīr.

Explanation

In Jain cosmology, time moves in cycles. The current half-cycle is called Avasarpiṇī, the descending phase, where spiritual and physical conditions gradually decline.

This Avasarpiṇī has six eras:

• 1st: Suṣamā-suṣamā
• 2nd: Suṣamā
• 3rd: Suṣamā-duṣamā
• 4th: Duṣamā-suṣamā
• 5th: Duṣamā
• 6th: Duṣamā-duṣamā

We are currently in the 5th era: Duṣamā Kāla.

Traditional Jain belief holds that this era began 3 years and 8½ months after Bhagwan Mahāvīr’s nirvāṇa. Since Bhagwan Mahāvīr’s nirvāṇa is traditionally dated to 527 BCE, the 5th era began around 523 BCE.

Takeaway

So, as of 2026 CE, Jain tradition understands that humanity has been in the 5th era for approximately 2,549 years.