Here is the concise idea behind the 24 Tirthankar symbols (lanchhana) and the list of each Tirthankar with their traditional emblem.

What the symbols mean and why

• Each Tirthankar is associated with a single emblem to help devotees recognize them in temples and scriptures.
• The symbol embodies key virtues, roles, or life-story elements connected with that Tirthankar.
• There can be small differences between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions on some symbols, but the overall idea remains the same: the emblem is a spiritual sign to identify the Tirthankar and remind followers of his teaching.

Note on sources

• For a compact list of the 24 Tirthankaras with their symbols, you can read a dedicated page that presents the traditional pairings and notes possible variant readings.

The 24 Tirthankaras and their symbols 1) Rishabhanatha (Adinath) — Bull 2) Ajitanatha — Elephant 3) Sambhavanatha — Horse 4) Abhinandananatha — Monkey 5) Sumatinatha — Curlew (a type of wading bird) 6) Padmaprabha — Lotus 7) Suparshvanatha — Swastika 8) Chandraprabha — Moon 9) Pushpadanta (Suvidhinatha) — Crocodile 10) Shitalanatha — Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) 11) Shreyamsanatha — Rhinoceros 12) Vasupujya — Buffalo 13) Vimalanatha — Boar 14) Anantanatha — Porcupine (often also read with a falcon in some traditions) 15) Dharmanatha — Vajra (Thunderbolt) 16) Shantinatha — Deer 17) Kunthunatha — Goat 18) Aranatha — Fish 19) Mallinatha — Kalasha (the sacred pot) 20) Munisuvranatha — Tortoise 21) Naminatha — Blue Lotus 22) Neminatha — Conch (Shankha) 23) Parshvanatha — Serpent 24) Mahavira — Lion

If you’d like, I can also summarize how each emblem reflects its Tirthankar’s teachings or life events in simple terms.