Answer

In Jain Dharma, Jain scripture and tradition are understood to originate from the teachings of the Tirthankars, especially through the divine preaching of Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of the present time cycle.

These teachings were preserved by the Ganadhars — the chief disciples of the Tirthankars — and later transmitted through the Jain Acharya tradition.

The list of the 24 Tirthankars is found in accepted Jain tradition and scriptures, especially in texts such as:

• Kalpa Sutra — very important in the Shvetambar tradition
• Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra by Acharya Hemachandra
• Tiloyapannatti and other traditional Digambar texts
• Jain Pratikraman and Stavan traditions, where the 24 Tirthankars are remembered and worshipped

Explanation

Jain Dharma does not say that one human founder “created” Jainism. According to Jain tradition:

• The truth is eternal.
• Tirthankars rediscover and preach that truth in every time cycle.
• Their disciples preserve the teachings.
• Acharyas organize, explain, and transmit the scriptures and practices.

Bhagwan Mahavir did not create a new religion in the ordinary sense. He revived and preached the eternal Jain Dharma in the present era. His chief disciple, Gautam Swami, and other Ganadhars preserved his teachings.

Later, Jain Acharyas compiled, arranged, and explained these teachings according to their traditions.

Where are the 24 Tirthankars mentioned?

The names of the 24 Tirthankars are traditionally given as:

1. Bhagwan Rishabhdev / Adinath
2. Bhagwan Ajitnath
3. Bhagwan Sambhavnath
4. Bhagwan Abhinandannath
5. Bhagwan Sumatinath
6. Bhagwan Padmaprabhu
7. Bhagwan Suparshvanath
8. Bhagwan Chandraprabhu
9. Bhagwan Pushpadant / Suvidhinath
10. Bhagwan Shitalnath
11. Bhagwan Shreyansnath
12. Bhagwan Vasupujya
13. Bhagwan Vimalnath
14. Bhagwan Anantnath
15. Bhagwan Dharmanath
16. Bhagwan Shantinath
17. Bhagwan Kunthunath
18. Bhagwan Aranath
19. Bhagwan Mallinath
20. Bhagwan Munisuvrat Swami
21. Bhagwan Naminath
22. Bhagwan Neminath
23. Bhagwan Parshvanath
24. Bhagwan Mahavir Swami

This list is not a modern invention. It is part of the long-established Jain scriptural and devotional tradition.

Important Point

Different Jain traditions preserve scriptures differently:

• Shvetambar tradition accepts the Agams as preserved scriptures and gives great importance to texts like the Kalpa Sutra.
• Digambar tradition holds that the original Anga scriptures were gradually lost, but preserves Jain teachings through texts such as Shatkhandagama, Kasayapahuda, Samayasara, Tattvartha Sutra, Tiloyapannatti, and other Acharya texts.

Even with differences in scriptural preservation, both major Jain traditions accept the same 24 Tirthankars of the present Avasarpini time cycle.

Spiritual Understanding

The 24 Tirthankars are not worshipped as creators of the universe. They are worshipped because they conquered attachment, hatred, karma, and rebirth, and showed the path to moksha.

They established the fourfold Jain Sangh:

• Sadhu — monks
• Sadhvi — nuns
• Shravak — laymen
• Shravika — laywomen

Their lives teach right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

Takeaway

Jain scripture and tradition come from the teachings of the Tirthankars, preserved by Ganadhars and Acharyas. The 24 Tirthankars are recorded in accepted Jain scriptures and traditions, and they are unanimously revered across Jain Dharma.