According to Jain tradition, several Tirthankaras are contemporaneous with the periods of Ram and Krishna, who are prominent figures in Hindu epics. In Jain texts:

1. Rishabhanatha (Adinath), the first Tirthankara, is considered by Jain tradition to have lived long before the times of Ram and Krishna. However, his descendants and the Ikshvaku dynasty are connected to the lineage of Ram.

1. Ajitanatha (2nd Tirthankara) and Sambhavanatha (3rd Tirthankara) are also considered as having lived in ancient times, but not directly in the timeline of Ram or Krishna.

1. Munisuvrata Swami (20th Tirthankara) is specifically mentioned in Jain texts as being contemporaneous with Lord Rama. Jain versions of the Ramayana, such as the Padmapurana and Paumachariya, describe Munisuvrata Swami as living during the age of Ram. In these narratives, Ram, Lakshman, and Sita are devout followers of Jain principles. Ram is depicted as a great Balabhadra (a Jain concept of a heroic figure), and Ravana is portrayed as a Vidyadhara king.

1. Neminatha (22nd Tirthankara) is considered a cousin of Krishna in Jain tradition. Jain texts such as Harivamsa Purana (by Jinasena Acharya) and Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Hemachandra) state that Neminatha was engaged to Rajimati and was part of the Yadava clan, the same family as Krishna. Krishna is depicted as a cousin and devotee of Neminatha, who ultimately inspires many characters, including Krishna's brother Balarama, to take diksha (spiritual renunciation) after witnessing the cruelty involved in animal slaughter during Neminatha’s wedding.

Relevance to the Epics:

• Ramayana: In the Jain version, Ram (Padma) is portrayed as a non-violent and righteous king who ultimately attains liberation (moksha) by following Jain teachings. Unlike the Hindu Ramayana, Lakshman kills Ravana, and Ram takes diksha and becomes a monk. Sita also becomes a nun and attains moksha.

• Mahabharata: Jain versions of the Mahabharata focus on Neminatha and his relationship with Krishna. Krishna, though a great figure, is not considered to have attained moksha in Jainism due to his involvement in violence, while Neminatha is revered as a Tirthankara who shows the path of non-violence and renunciation.

Summary Table:

| Epic Figure | Jain Counterpart/Tirthankara | Relationship/Timeline | |------------------|------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Ram | Munisuvrata Swami (20th) | Contemporary; both lived during same era| | Krishna | Neminatha (22nd) | Cousins; Neminatha inspired Krishna |

In conclusion: According to Jain tradition, Munisuvrata Swami and Neminatha are the Tirthankaras most directly connected with the timelines of Ram and Krishna, and Jain versions of the epics give them central spiritual roles in guiding their contemporaries on the path of non-violence and liberation.