WHO ARE ALL THE 20 VIHARMAN TIRTHANKARAS
Answer
In Jain tradition, the 20 Viharman Tirthankaras are the Tirthankaras who presently exist in the Mahāvideh Kshetra and are giving dharma-desanā there.
Their names are commonly given as:
- Shri Simandhar Swami
- Shri Yugmandhar Swami
- Shri Bahu Swami
- Shri Subahu Swami
- Shri Sujat Swami
- Shri Svayamprabh Swami
- Shri Rishabhanan Swami
- Shri Anantvirya Swami
- Shri Surprabh Swami
- Shri Vishalprabh Swami
- Shri Vajradhar Swami
- Shri Chandranan Swami
- Shri Chandrabahu Swami
- Shri Bhujangam Swami
- Shri Ishwar Swami
- Shri Nemiprabhu Swami
- Shri Virsen Swami
- Shri Mahabhadra Swami
- Shri Devyash Swami
- Shri Ajitvirya Swami
Explanation
In our Bharat Kshetra, the present time-cycle does not have a living Tirthankara. However, Jain cosmology teaches that in Mahāvideh Kshetra, Tirthankaras are presently living and preaching the path of liberation.
These are called Viharman Tirthankaras, meaning the currently existing or presently moving Tirthankaras.
Spiritual Understanding
Among them, Shri Simandhar Swami is especially worshipped by many Jains with deep devotion, because he is believed to be presently present in Mahāvideh Kshetra and giving the true Jain teaching.
Takeaway
The 20 Viharman Tirthankaras represent the living continuity of Jain Dharma in Mahāvideh Kshetra, reminding us that the path of samyak darshan, samyak jnan, and samyak charitra is eternally present.