Answer

In Jain Dharma, Viharman Tirthankars refers to the Tirthankars who are presently living and moving in other kshetras of the Jain universe, especially in Mahavideh Kshetra.

The word “Viharman” means currently moving, living, and preaching. So, Viharman Tirthankars are those Tirthankars who are present right now and are giving the path of Dharma to living beings in their regions.

Explanation

According to Jain cosmology, the universe has different regions or kshetras. We live in Bharat Kshetra. In Bharat Kshetra, the current time-cycle is such that no living Tirthankar is present now.

However, in Mahavideh Kshetra, Tirthankars are always present. They preach the true path of liberation through:

• Samyak Darshan – Right Faith
• Samyak Jnan – Right Knowledge
• Samyak Charitra – Right Conduct

These present Tirthankars are called Viharman Tirthankars.

Traditionally, Jain Dharma speaks of 20 Viharman Tirthankars in Mahavideh Kshetra. Among them, Shri Simandhar Swami is especially well-known and worshipped by many Jains.

Spiritual Understanding

Viharman Tirthankars are important because they remind us that the Tirthankar tradition is not only a matter of the past. Even though Bhagwan Mahavir was the last Tirthankar of our present time-cycle in Bharat Kshetra, the presence of Viharman Tirthankars shows that the path of liberation is continuously active in the universe.

Devotion to Viharman Tirthankars helps a Jain strengthen:

• Faith in the eternal Jain Dharma
• Respect for the living tradition of Tirthankars
• Desire for samyak darshan and moksha
• Inner purity through bhakti and reflection

Takeaway

Viharman Tirthankars are the living Tirthankars presently existing in Mahavideh Kshetra. They continue to preach the path of liberation, and their presence gives great inspiration to seekers on the Jain spiritual path.