Tirthankara (Maker of a Ford Tirth), a human being who has attained omniscience (kevala-jnana) and who teaches others the path to liberation (Moksha-marga.) This painting illustrates all the twenty-four Tirthankara in two concentric circles, with Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, in the centre. All these Tirthankaras are identified by their symbols (insignia) and their body colours. Down at the left is the figure of Gautamasvami, the first chief disciple (ganadharas) of Mahavira. At the right is a small shrine of footprints of Guru.
Twenty Four Tirthankaras
A Tirthankara, maker of a ford (tirth), is a human being who has attained omniscience (kevala-jnana) and who teaches others the path to liberation (moksha-marga.)
This painting illustrates all the twenty-four Tirthankaras in two concentric circles, with Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, in the centre. All these Tirthankaras are identified by their symbols (insignia) and their body colours. Down at the left is the figure of Gautamasvami, the first chief disciple (ganadhara) of Mahavira. At the right is a small shrine with the footprints of a Guru.