Here is a concise, scripture‑based articulation of cycles (kalchakra) and Tirthankaras, with clear distinctions between Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions. I’ve kept to Jain Dharma texts and note where the traditions diverge in canon.

What the cycles are (shared basis)

• Time is cyclical and divided into two halves: Utsarpini (ascending/highest spiritual era) and Avasarpini (descending/declining era). Each half is split into six aras (epochs). This framework is found in widely cited Jain cosmology texts and is described in Śvetāmbara and Digambara contexts. In general, this kalchakra idea is explained in Jain knowledge resources and is foundational for both traditions. You can read a concise explanation of the Kalchakra concept here. ( jainknowledge.com)
• The current era is the Avasarpini half-cycle, specifically in the fifth aras. This is the context in which Tirthankaras (Jina) appear at regular intervals. See the general Kalchakra overview here. ( jainknowledge.com)

Tirthankaras (the 24 Jain Tirthankaras)

• Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions traditionally enumerate 24 Tirthankaras, and Mahavira is the 24th in both lineages. The Śvetāmbara tradition’s narrative framework for these lives is laid out in the Kalpa Sutra (the main biographical text for Tirthankaras in Śvetāmbara Jainology). Digambara tradition does not use the Kalpa Sutra as their scriptural authority for Tirthankara lives; their biographies come from different canonical/non-canonical Digambara sources. You can read about the Kalpa Sutra and the Śvetāmbara framing here, including the note on Digambara differences. ( jainknowledge.com)
• The list and lifespans of Tirthankaras are often presented in Jain knowledge summaries; Śvetāmbara conventions typically present the same 24 names in order, with Mahavira as 24th. For a compact overview of the set of 24 Tirthankaras (with traditional ages/cosmology notes that Śvetāmbara sources often use), see the “All tirthankar ages” page. Note: this shows traditional cosmological ages as given in Jain scriptures, and the numbering aligns with the common 24-count. ( jainknowledge.com)

Distinctions between Digambara and Śvetāmbara in this topic

• Canon and text basis:

- Śvetāmbara: Kalpa Sutra (traditional biographical compendium of Jinacaritra) is the principal scripture for narrating the lives and deeds of the Tirthankaras. The Kalpa Sutra is publicly recited during Paryuṣaṇa and provides the canonical frame for the Tirthankaras’ lives within the Kalchakra cosmology. Digambara do not use the Kalpa Sutra as their scriptural authority for these biographies. You can read a concise note on this distinction here. ( jainknowledge.com) - Digambara: Use different textual authorities for Tirthankara biographies; the Digambara tradition does not adopt the Kalpa Sutra as canonical. The cosmological Kalchakra framework itself is acknowledged in Jain cosmology, but the primary narrative source differs from Śvetāmbara. See the note about Kalpa Sutra usage and Digambara contrast here. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Presentation of cycles (kalchakra) and aras:

- Both traditions teach Utsarpini and Avasarpini with six aras, but the primary narrative sources and emphasis differ. General Kalchakra explanations that apply across traditions are available here. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Names and order of Tirthankaras:

- The standard list of 24 Tirthankaras is shared, but the textual framing (and whether biographical details come from Kalpa Sutra vs. other Digambara sources) differs. A compact, traditional listing with context is provided in the “All tirthankar ages” resource. ( jainknowledge.com)

If you want to read more in depth (within JainKnowledge.com)

• Śvetāmbara framing and Kalpa Sutra context (including the canonical status and the lives of the Tirthankaras): you can read a focused treatment here. The page also notes the Digambara distinction regarding the Kalpa Sutra.
• Kalchakra/time cycle overview for a quick grasp of Utsarpini/Avasarpini and aras: this explainer covers the two halves and the six aras structure.
• A compact reference listing the 24 Tirthankaras and their traditional cosmological ages (Śvetāmbara–leaning framing):

Notes

• If you want exact Sanskrit/Prakrit verses from original scriptures, say the word and I can provide a brief, respectful excerpt from the appropriate text, with the exact tradition (Digambara vs Śvetāmbara) noted.
• The core idea—kalchakra (cycles of time) and the 24 Tirthankaras—is central to Jain cosmology and is treated differently in Śvetāmbara and Digambara scriptural canons. The Śvetāmbara Kalpa Sutra is the principal biographical scripture in their tradition; Digambaras rely on other textual sources for Tirthankar biographies and do not treat Kalpa Sutra as canonical.