are all tirthankars arihant and are all arihants tirthankar
No, not all Arihants are Tirthankaras, though all Tirthankaras are Arihants. In Jainism, an Arihant is any Kevali (omniscient being) who has destroyed the four destructive (Ghäti) karmas and conquered inner enemies like anger, pride, deceit, and greed [1][2]. However, a Tirthankara is a special kind of Arihant who additionally establishes the four-fold Jain order (Sangh) of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen, and possesses the Tirthankar Näm karma along with 34 special attributes (Atishayas) [1][2]. Ordinary Kevalis (also called Sämänya Kevalis) do not have these unique characteristics and are therefore not called Tirthankaras [1].
Key distinctions:
- All Tirthankaras are Arihants — they have attained Keval-jnän (omniscience) and destroyed all destructive karmas [2].
- Not all Arihants are Tirthankaras — only 24 Arihants in each half time cycle rise to the level of Tirthankar, while many ordinary Kevalis exist simultaneously [1][2][3].
- At the time of Nirvän (liberation), both Arihants and ordinary Kevalis shed their remaining four non-destructive (Aghäti) karmas and become Siddhas [1][2].
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In the Swetambar Jain tradition, the **Nine Ang Puja** is performed on nine body parts (Angs) of the Tirthankar idol. For each of the nine places, you recite one line of the **Namaskar Mantra** (Navkar Mantra) as follows: 1. **Right Toe, then Left Toe** – *Namo Arihantanam* 2. **Right Knee, then Left Knee** – *Namo Siddhanam* 3. **Center of Arm, then Left Arm** – *Namo Aayariyanam* 4. **Right Shoulder, then Left Shoulder** – *Namo Uvajjayanam* 5. **Top of Head (center)** – *Namo Loa Savva Sahunam* 6. **Center of Forehead** – *Eso Panch Namukkaro* 7. **Center of Throat** – *Savva Pava Panasano* 8. **Center of Chest** – *Mangala Nam Cha Savve Sim* 9. **Navel** – *Padhamum Hawai Mangalam* Important notes: The right and left sides refer to the **Murti (idol)**, not the person doing the puja. Also, the Right Toe is on the opposite side than the Right Knee, Arm, and Shoulder of the Murti. During the puja, you should cover your mouth and nose with a piece of white cloth [1].
According to Jain cosmology, Tirthankars are born only in **Karmabhoomis**—regions where human beings must work for their livelihood—and specifically within the **Arya-kshetra** (the southern middle sub-continent of Bharat-kshetra, which corresponds to the Indian subcontinent) [2][4]. The universe contains 15 Karmabhoomis: five Bharat Kshetras, five Airavat Kshetras, and five Maha-Videha Kshetras [1][2]. In the Bharat and Airavat regions, human behavior and natural conditions continuously change through time cycles (Utsarpini and Avsarpini), and Tirthankars appear only during the 3rd and 4th eras (Aräs) of each half-cycle [1][2]. Since we are currently in the 5th era of the descending Avsarpini cycle, no Tirthankar exists in our region now [1]. The five Maha-Videha Kshetras are different—conditions there are always conducive, so Tirthankars exist perpetually, with at least 20 (four per region) preaching at present, including Shri Simandhar Swami [1][2]. The 24 Tirthankars of our current Avsarpini cycle were all born in the 3rd and 4th Aräs of Bharat-kshetra (the Indian subcontinent) because that is the only region in this part of the universe where the necessary karmic and environmental conditions align during those specific eras [1]. Additionally, Tirthankars are traditionally born into noble royal families, and the mother sees fourteen auspicious dreams before conception, marking their extraordinary destiny [3].
The 24 Tirthankars of the current time cycle (Avasarpini) are: 1. Rushabhadev (Ädinäth) — symbol: Bull 2. Ajitnäth — Elephant 3. Sambhavnäth — Horse 4. Abhinandan-swämi — Monkey 5. Sumatinäth — Curlew/Red Goose 6. Padmaprabha — Red Lotus 7. Supärshvanäth — Swastika 8. Chandraprabha — Crescent Moon 9. Suvidhinäth (Pushpadanta) — Crocodile 10. Shitalnäth — Shrivatsa/Wishing Tree 11. Shreyänsnäth — Rhinoceros 12. Väsupujya-swämi — Buffalo 13. Vimalnäth — Boar 14. Anantnäth — Bear/Hawk 15. Dharmnäth — Thunderbolt 16. Shäntinäth — Deer 17. Kunthunäth — Goat 18. Aranäth — Nandavarta/Fish 19. Mallinäth — Water Pot 20. Munisuvrat-swämi — Tortoise 21. Naminäth — Blue Lotus 22. Neminäth — Conch Shell 23. Pärshvanäth — Snake 24. Mahävirswämi (Vardhamän) — Lion The first Tirthankar, Rushabhadev, is also known as Ädinäth, and the last is Mahävirswämi. Most Tirthankars attained nirvana at Samet Shikhar, except Rushabhadev (Ashtapad/Kailasha), Väsupujya (Champäpuri), Neminäth (Girnar), and Mahävir (Päväpuri) [1][2].
According to Jain scriptures, the first Tirthankara of the next (ascending) time cycle, the Utsarpini Kaal, will be **Mahapadma** (also referred to as Padma in some lists). [2] He will be the first of the 24 future Tirthankaras who will be born in Bharat Varsha. [1][2] The 24 future Tirthankaras of the next cycle are listed in the Samvayang Sutra, and their names in order are: 1. Mahapadma, 2. Surdev, 3. Suparshva, 4. Swamprabh, 5. Sarvatmabhut, 6. Devputra, 7. Kulputra, 8. Udank, 9. Proshthil, 10. Jaykirti, 11. Munisuvrat, 12. Aranath, 13. Apap, 14. Nishkashay, 15. Vipul, 16. Nirmal, 17. Chitragupt, 18. Samadhigupt, 19. Swambhu, 20. Anivriti, 21. Vijay, 22. Vimal, 23. Devpal, and 24. Anantvirya. [2] The first Tirthankara, Mahapadma, will have a lifespan of 100 years and a body height of 7 arni (cubits). [2]
According to Jain scriptures, the next (future) set of 24 Tirthankaras will appear in the coming ascending time cycle (Utsarpini Kaal) in Bharat-kshetra. Their names, as listed in the Samvayang Sutra, are: **1. Padma, 2. Surdev, 3. Suparshva, 4. Swamprabh, 5. Sarvathbhoot, 6. Devputra, 7. Kulputra, 8. Udak, 9. Proshthil, 10. Jaykirti, 11. Munisuvrat, 12. Aranath, 13. Apap, 14. Nishkashay, 15. Vipul, 16. Nirmal, 17. Chitragupt, 18. Samadhigupt, 19. Swambhu, 20. Anivriti, 21. Vijay, 22. Vimal, 23. Devpal, and 24. Anantvirya** [1][4]. The first of these, Padma, will be the 16th Kulkar (patriarch) of the future era, with a lifespan of 100 years and a height of 7 arnis (cubits). The last, Anantvirya, will have a lifespan of 1 crore years and a height of 500 dhanush (bows) [4]. Additionally, the scriptures note that these 24 future Tirthankaras had specific previous births, including well-known figures like Shrenik, Vasudeva Krishna, Baldeva Rama, and Devaki [1][2]. It is also mentioned that a separate set of 24 Tirthankaras will appear in the Airavat Varsh region of Jambudweep during the same time cycle [3].
Parshvanath Tirthankar is called **Purushadaniya** (or *Purisadaniya*), which means **"the people's favorite"** or **"who is to be chosen among men because of his preferable Karma"** [1]. This title reflects his exceptional qualities and the high regard in which he was held by the people of his time. He was known for his courtesy, bravery, and valor, and his reputation was so widespread that many kings were eager to have their daughters marry him [3]. The name Parshva itself was bestowed upon him because, before his birth, his mother Queen Vama saw a black serpent crawling about, and "Parshva" means "near by or in the vicinity" [1][3]. The title Purushadaniya thus emphasizes his status as a beloved and exemplary figure, chosen among men due to his superior karma and virtuous character, which made him a natural leader and the 23rd Tirthankar of the Jain religion [1][2].