Jainism is an ancient Indian religion whose origins are traced to the distant past. Jain tradition holds that it is eternal and has always existed, periodically revived by great teachers known as Tirthankaras. According to Jain beliefs, there have been 24 Tirthankaras in the current time cycle (Avasarpini). The first Tirthankara was Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), and the most recent, the 24th, was Mahavira (599–527 BCE), who is historically regarded as the founder of the present-day Jain community and gave Jainism its current form.

While Mahavira is often considered the most influential teacher, Jainism itself was not "started" by any one person but is understood by Jains to be a timeless dharma (truth or path) that has been revealed and revived by these enlightened teachers throughout the ages.