Answer

Rishabhdev Bhagwan is traditionally accepted in Jain Dharma as the first Tirthankar of the present time cycle, not “God” in the creator sense.

Mahavir Swami is the 24th Tirthankar, not the founder of Jain Dharma according to Jain tradition.

So, in Jain understanding:

• Rishabhdev Bhagwan is the first Tirthankar.
• Mahavir Swami is the last, 24th Tirthankar of this time cycle.
• Mahavir Swami did not “found” Jain Dharma; he revived, taught, and organized the eternal Jain path for his era.

Explanation

The confusion happens because many modern history books say Mahavir Swami was the “founder of Jainism.” This is a simplified historical way of speaking, mainly because Mahavir Swami is the most historically well-documented Tirthankar.

But Jain tradition teaches that Jain Dharma is anādi, meaning beginningless. It is not created by one person. Tirthankars appear in different ages to re-establish the path of liberation.

Rishabhdev Bhagwan, also called Adinath Bhagwan, is the first Tirthankar of this avasarpini kāl, the present descending half-cycle of time. Mahavir Swami came much later as the 24th Tirthankar.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, a Tirthankar is not a creator God. A Tirthankar is a perfected soul who attains Keval Jnan and shows the path to moksha.

Mahavir Swami taught the same eternal truths:

• Ahimsa
• Satya
• Achaurya
• Brahmacharya
• Aparigraha
• Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct

He gave these teachings in a powerful and organized way for people of his time.

Takeaway

According to Jain Dharma, Mahavir Swami is not the founder of Jainism. He is the 24th Tirthankar. Rishabhdev Bhagwan is the first Tirthankar of the present time cycle. Jain Dharma itself is considered eternal.