Jain Knowledge
Menu
  • JainGPT
  • Jain Directory
    • Jain Tirthsthaans
    • Jain Sangeetkars
    • Jain Pandits
    • Jain Acharya
    • Jain Businessman
  • Jain Media
    • Jain Stavan
    • Jain Pachkhan
    • Jain Stories
    • Jain Sutras
    • Jain Facts / Concepts
  • Advertise with us
Jain Knowledge
login Register

Get In Touch

phone
info@jainknowledge.com

online support

phone
Mumbai

India

  • Home
  • Jain Questions
  • The symbols of Trithankars and their story
  • author Posted by
    Jain Follower

    The symbols of Trithankars and their story

    12 months ago 509

    Here is the standard set of symbols (lanchhana) for the 24 Tirthankaras, along with a brief, Jain-orthodox sense (arth) of what each symbol signifies.

    1) Rishabhanatha (Adinath) — Bull

    • Symbol signifies strength, steadiness, and the primal rhythm of life; the first Tirthankara who taught the path to liberation.

    2) Ajitanatha — Elephant

    • Represents majesty, steadfastness, and overcoming fear; the conqueror of inner obstacles.

    3) Sambhavanatha — Horse

    • Symbolizes speed in right conduct and the ability to move swiftly toward spiritual goals.

    4) Abhinandananatha — Monkey

    • Stresses cleverness in practicing non-violence and playful ease in right faith.

    5) Sumatinatha — Curlew (Heron)

    • Indicates alertness, clarity of intention, and discernment along the spiritual path.

    6) Padmaprabha — Lotus

    • Purity, detachment, and awakening; blooming of discrimination and serenity.

    7) Suparshvanatha — Swastika

    • Auspiciousness, well-being, and the fourfold Jain truth; marks a steady onward journey.

    8) Chandraprabha — Moon

    • Illumination, calm insight, and wise contemplation; the light of knowledge in darkness.

    9) Pushpadanta (Pushpadanta/Suvidhinatha) — Crocodile

    • Power with restraint; mastery over passions and worldly ties.

    10) Shitalanatha — Shrivatsa

    • A symbol of auspicious order and inner auspiciousness; sign of peace in the mind.

    11) Shreyamsanatha — Rhinoceros

    • Steadfastness, strength of penance, and fearlessness in truth.

    12) Vasupujya — Buffalo

    • Endurance, tolerance, and steadfast service to ahimsa and compassion.

    13) Vimalanatha — Boar

    • Simplicity, sincerity, and removal of pride; steadfast in the practice of truth.

    14) Anantanatha — Hawk (Falcon)

    • Focused perception and farsightedness in the pursuit of liberation.

    15) Dharmanatha — Vajra (Thunderbolt)

    • The firmness of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct; unbreakable resolve.

    16) Shantinatha — Deer

    • Peace, compassion, and the quest for harmony in the world.

    17) Kunthunatha — Goat

    • Community-mindedness; unity and cooperative harmony in spiritual practice.

    18) Aranatha — Fish

    • Freedom and adaptability; moving freely without clinging to bondage.

    19) Mallinatha — Kalasha (water pitcher)

    • Fluidity, adaptability, and the cleansing of ego through disciplined living.

    20) Munisuvrata — Tortoise

    • Long-suffering, deep contemplation, and restraint; symbol of restraint and quiet strength.

    21) Naminatha (Naminath/Naminath) — Blue Lotus

    • Dignity, humility, and respectful conduct toward all beings.

    22) Neminatha — Conch

    • Voice of compassion and advocacy for non-violence; clarity in ethical conduct.

    23) Parshvanath — Serpent

    • Protector of beings; awareness and shielding from harm through right conduct.

    24) Mahavira — Lion

    • The crown of spiritual power, fearless renunciation, and supreme leadership in seeking liberation.

    Notes

    • This sequence and these symbols are the common Jain tradition across Śvētāmbara and Digambara communities. Minor name variations can appear in some regional texts (e.g., Shitalanatha sometimes listed with Shrivatsa; Pushpadanta also known as Suvidhinatha in some lists).
    • The symbols are used to identify each Tirthankara in temples and iconography, and they carry the deeper Jain teaching of moving toward liberation by practicing the three jewels: right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

    You can read more here

    About Jain Knowledge

    JainGPT by JainKnowledge.com is India’s first AI-powered platform dedicated entirely to Jainism. Here, you can ask any question related to Jain Dharma — from rituals and history to philosophy and daily practices — and receive instant, accurate answers rooted in Jain principles.

    Our mission is to make Jain knowledge accessible to all, especially the next generation, through the power of technology. Whether you're a curious student or a lifelong seeker, JainGPT is your trusted digital guide for all things Jain.

    Authentic Jain knowledge, made simple and accessible for every generation.
    Learn More
    Follow Us
    Facebook ↗ Instagram ↗

    Stay connected for Jain knowledge, insights and community updates.

    Jain Knowledge

    JainGPT by JainKnowledge.com is India’s first AI-powered platform dedicated entirely to Jainism. Ask questions related to Jain Dharma, rituals, history, philosophy and daily practices, and receive answers rooted in Jain principles.

    Explore
    • JainGPT
    • Jain Directory
    • Jain Media
    • Advertise With Us
    • Disclaimer
    Our Mission

    Our mission is to make Jain knowledge accessible to all, especially the next generation, through the power of technology. Whether you're a curious student or a lifelong seeker, JainGPT is your trusted digital guide for all things Jain.

    info@jainknowledge.com Online support
    Mumbai India

    Copyright © 2026 Jain Knowledge

    Created by Katalyst Corp.