Twenty four Teerthankars are considered in Jain religion. In the 4th age of Utasarpini and Avasarpini of a Kalp Age, the tradition of twenty four Teerthankars is going on. Teerthankars are those who abide by the nature of Naamkarma. They join with the dignity of Samavasharan. Dharma Teerth enforces with it. They get also salvation themselves and by their preception, other grand living beings get benediction of their own.

Four treacherous actions (Gyanavarni, Darshanavarni, Mohaniya, Antarai) by the destruction of these the knowledge has gained. They all are called Simple Arihants. But their Panchkalyanak is persuaded (celebrated) by Gods, Samavasharan is created, from their births the virtues of them appear. In such a period in a criteria only twenty four Teerthankars exist. In Dhai Continent, period changes in Aryakhandas of five Bharat and five Eirawat which is called Period Circle. A Kalpkal (similar period) consists & twenty Koda Kodi Sagar. In which the Avasarpini Kal is of ten Kodas Kodies.

That has six reasons : 1. Sukhama-Sukhama 2. Dukhama 3. Sukhama-Dukhama 4. Dukhama-Sukhama 5. Dukhama 6. Dukhama-Dukhama.

Thus the Utsarpini Kal consists of ten koda kodi. It has six reasons also which are in opposite order than Avasarpini. In the Utsarpini Kal, knowledge, joy, age and body etc. increase but in comparison of this in the Avasarpini Kal it reduces.

There are 24-24 Teerthankars in each area of 5 Bharat and 5 Eiravat in Dhai continent. So we worship total 720 Teerthankars of Past Tense. Present Tense and Future Tense. This change creates only in the area of Bharat and Eiravat According to Agam by passing 148 Kalp Kal or Asankhyat Kalp Kal a Hundavsarpini Kal comes in it. Unexpected facts occur.

The Avasarpini Kal is going on in present time. In its three periods there is the best (eminent), middle and most consumed land, where villages, cities dont situate. There are only 10 kinds of fictitious trees which give the imaginable things to the couples whatever give the imaginable things to the couples whatever they aspire. This consumed land gives 1. Parang (made up of six essence) 2. Turyang (gives Veena, Mridang, Music instrument) 3. Bhushanang (gives ornaments) 4. Vastrang (gives clothing) 5. Bhojanang (gives various types of tasty eatable food) 6. Alayang (gives celestial buildings) 7. Deepang (gives light like light lamps) 8. Bhajanang (gives Kalash made up of gems) 9. Malang (gives various kinds of garlands) 10. Tejang (gives light like planets as the sun and the moon). In this consumed land man and woman bear in couple and enjoy their lives as husband and wife and the Tiryanch animals (insect beings) of here live without enmity). In the end of third period and beginnig of 4th fourth period Kalp Tree reduces to give the material related to food. At such time last Kulkar taught them sword (to take weapon), Masi (to write accounts) Agriculture (farming, to keep animals), Trade (to do business), Handicraft, education/behavioured/(education, justice, charity (donation) etc. Due to the Hurda Avasarpini period, the birth and of I (first) Teerthankar Adinath and Chakravarthy Bharat had got. Even 63 Shalaka men in which 24 Teerthankars, 12 Chakravarthy, 9 Baldev, 9 Narayan, 9 Pratinarayan all these exist in 4th period. All Shalaka men whose colours just like the gold are holders of super power. They have hair on their heads but they have lack of beard and moustache. According to Agam, only except Pratinarayana remaining 1-2 shalaka men got salvation in the world. Due to the Hunda Avasarpini Kal in the place of 63 Shalaka men, only 60 Shalaka men became in this period. Because they are also Chakravarthy Teerthankar Snantinath. Kunthunath & Arenath place.

In present time we are in the Bharat region of "Jambu Dwip where in this period perhaps there were 24 Teerthankars from God Aadinath to God Mahavira. But there are always 20 Teerthankars in Videh region. Fourth period always goes on there. After the death of a Teerthankar, other being takes place to be Teerthankar and by taking the name of Simandharin that same Samavasharan. There are 2, 3 or 5 Kalyanak of Teerthankars there and they have their age of one crore purve years. The door of salvation always opens for them. This statement is in "Agam" that Acharya Kundkund Swami who the holder of this blessing that he can walk above four fingers on the earth. Before going through the sky path he had gone to Pundari Nagari of Videh. There he went to samavasharan of "1008 Seemandhar God", by worshipping him there he preached to all grnad living beings of whole India.

Teerthankars which are called "Arihant Parmeshthi", owner of 46 qualities and all-knowing is destitute from from 18 faults.

"Birth, old age, Thirst, Hunger, Arati, surprise, sadness, disease, sorrow, pride, affection (love), fear, slumber, sweat, desire, hatred, death.

Excellent appearance, fragrant body, not sweaty, speaking sweet words, inestimable power white blood. 1008 holy symptoms on body. Appropriat Body, Powerful Body. (1008 auspisious symbols on the body)

1. Not scarcity of direction towards 100 junction. 2. Appearance of four months. 3. No act of going on land 4. All living beings full of nonviolence. 5. No deaths 6. No nourishment 7. Ownership of all knowledge 8. Nails & hair dont increase 9. Eyelids do not wink 10. Lack of shade

1. Half Magadhi language 2. Friendliness of all 3. clear sky 4. purity of 10 directions 5. flowers and fruits of six seasons 6. The earth without thorns and pebbles 7. Gentle fragrant breeze 8. Praising in the sky 9. creation of golden lotus in sky 10. Rainfall of fragrant water 11. Clear Earth 12. To be joyful of all beings. 13. Act of going the religion circles before God. 14. To live with Chamachatradi Ashth Mangal.

1. Ashoka free 2. Thorne made up of gems 3. Halo of light 4. To slip a crown on the head of the God. 5. Beating the celestial light 6. Rain fall of Flowers 7. Sound of Durdhambhi 8. to slip a croon on the head of the God by Yaksh.

Eternal-Chatushtay-Eternal joyous, eternal sight, eternal power (strength), eternal knowledge.

5 Kalyanak are considered which created by God

As already mentioned that a Tirthankara is the founder of the four fold order of monks and nuns and of lay followers, male and female. Of these four, the sadhus or the monks are held in highest respect. They live a hard and strenuous life after renunciation. They observe the five great vows of Mahavratas. These are ahimsa (not to kill). Satya (not to lie), Achauryya (not to steal), Brahmmacharya (to abstain from sexual relation) and Aparigraha (to renounce all interest in worldly things) these vows are strictly to be observed by the monks i.e. in speach, in mind and in deed until their death. They should be of kind disposition and of even mind towards all beings Himsa implies not only killing but also toruchering or forcing a living creature to act against his will. Monks not only observe this form of ahimsa themselves, but also do not advice anybody to do such acts which cause death or injury to any living organism nor approve of such acts, if others do it . This is the first great vow and is known as Ahimsa or Pranatipata Viramana.

Not to Lie is the second great vow this is knows as Satya or Mrishavad Viramana. Monks always what is true in case a truth uttered causes pain or death to a living being they should remain silent and anger greed fear and joke are the breeding grounds of untruth, monks should not yield to anyone of these. This vow is also to be observed by them completely i.e. in speech, in mind and in deed. They themselves will not utter what is not true nor approve of it.

The third great vow is Achauryya or Abstention from theft. This is known as Adattadana Viramana. Monks are required to observe this vow completely so that they not only desist from appropriating things ungiven to them in villages or towns but also desist from picking up wild fruits in the forests. They themselves do not appropriate anything nor ask another to appropriate nor approve of it. Moreover, they are also advised to keep vigilance so that they may not take more, when accepting alms, than what they strictly require. To take more than ones requirement is also theft.
The fourth great vow is Brahmmacharyya or Maithuna Viramana abstention from sexual relation monks are required to observe this vow strictly and completely. They themselves will not sexual pleasures nor ask another to do the same nor approve of it.. If they had any experience of pleasure in their past domestic life, they will not now think of it and observe this vow strictly to the letter. As this vow is very difficult to maintain, they are advised not to sit on a cushion or a bed used by a women nor take palatable dishes which may rouse their passion and observe such other rules. They must lead a hard life.

The fifth great vow is Aparigraha Viraman-renunciation of all interest in mundance things. Monks are required not to have attachment to anything-wealth property grains or house what ever it may be. They themselves should not keep such things nor ask another to keep them nor approve of it. By giving up all attachments to the objects of sound, sight, smell, taste and touch, in all ways and by all means they observe this vow.

As monks constantly have to control the fierce desires of their mind and flesh, sometimes expressed in words, three guptis or regulations with reference to controlling ones inner nature are prescribed. The first one is Mana Gupti or regulation by which mind is to be controlled. If at any time unseemly or evil desire arises in mind, they have to control it by excluding the evil thought and making room for a pure one. The second gupti is Bhasagupti or regulation of speech. It runs to the length of observing complete silence even. The third one is Kaya Gupti or regulation of ones bodily activity. Along with these guptis, monks have to observe five Samitis also. These samitis are: Iriya samitis or regulation of walking, Bhasa Samiti or regulation of speaking, esana samiti or regulation of begging , Adana-nikshepa Samiti or regulation of taking or keeping anything and utsarga samiti or regulation of disposing of any thing. To keep strict vigilance so that they may not kill or hurt a creature while moving is iriya samiti. To be restrained in speech and to speak the truth which is beneficial is bhasa samiti. To beg food which is pure and harmless and necessary for the maintenance of the body is esana samiti. To take care while receiving and keeping anything whatsoever is adananikshepa samiti. And to be careful when disposing of unnecessary things is utsarga samiti.

In Garbha Kalyanak of Teerghankar there occurs a rainfall of gems for 6 months before and 9 months after the arrival of child in the womb, the service of mother by 56 devi kumariya, 16 dreams seen by mother and so on activities happen in Garbh Kalyanak.

The activities of vibration of Indrasan, wishes are greets from saudharm Indra and the Abhishek of Tirthankar child sat on Eirawat Elephant on Sumeru Parvat occur after the birth of Tirthankar child in Janma Kalyanak. At this time the sign or mark on the thumb of left foot of Teerthankar child out of 1008 marks seen by Indra is the indicator sign for their recognition.

Tap Kalyanak :

Teerthankars, when they are ready to take religious observance to be free from worldly attachment. Then the Bal Brahmachari of fifth heaven wearing white clothes who are Lokantik Dev. These Lokantik Dev gain salvation after a mortal world. By before taking religious observance Teerthankars suit 12 sentiments, 8 panchmushthi take out from their head Hire that is Kaish Loch and he religious observance by saying "Om Namah Siddhebhya".

By the religious austerity of Teerthankars destructs the four stroke actios they achieve knowledge (enlightenment). Then the creation of Samavsharan is created by Kuber which is above 2000 bows from the surface of the Earth. There are 20,000 stories in it and we reach there before 48 minutes. There are 12 assemble in this Samavsharan. In it Saints, Kalpvasini Deviya, Aryika and Shravika, Jyotish Deviya, Vyantar Deviya, Vyantar Deviya, Bhavanvasi Deviya, Bharanvasi Dev, Vyantar Dev, Kalpvasi Dev, Chakravarthy king etc. take seats but Tiryanch take seats in last assemble. It is called "Gyan Kalyanak".

To be released from 8 actions Teerthankar take place on Siddhashila. Their nails and their hair leave on the land, Agnikumar by name, does funeral rites and this ceremony is called "Moksha Kalyanak".

Three Teerthankars Shree Suparshva Nath, Shree Parshvanath and Shree Mahavir Swami had sacrificed. Three Teerthankars Shree Vasupujya, Shree Mallinath and Shree Neminath gained salvation by Padmasan even rest 21 Teerthankars gained salvation by Khadgasan. 5 Teerthankars Shree Vasupujya, Shree Mallinath, Shree Parshvanath, Shree Mahavir Swami were the "Bal Brahmachari". 16 Teerthankars, they have Swarn-varna, 2 Rakht-varna, 2 Harit varna, 2 Dhawal varna and 2 Nil varna. The height of Adinath God was 500 Bow there was only 7 hands of Shree Mahavir Swami. The Nirvan of Adinath Bhagwan had done before 3 years 8 months and 15 days to be completed 4th period, but the Nirvan of Mahavira Swami had done before 3 years 8 months and 15 days to be completed 5th period.

"Rishabhdev" was born as a descendant of fourteenth Kulkar Nabhiraj and his wife Marudevi at Ayodhya. He is also called as "Rishabhnath". He is also known as "Adinath" as he is aadim or first of all the Tirthankars. This era is said to be the arising or commencing era of the Jain Path or Marg. He was coronated as the successor of his father. He systematized all the six occupations, viz. asi, masi, krishi or agriculture, vidya (or knowledge) or education, commerce, sculpture specially which are the means of earning or livelihood and also divided India in fifty two Janpads by dividing the country and cities systematically. He developed a system of three varna or categories-Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra on the basis of their occupation and that is why he was called as Prajapati. He had two wives Sunanda and Nanda. He had hundred sons and two daughters. Bharat and Brahmi from Sunanda and Bahubali and Sundri from Nanda were main. He taught Brahmi and Sundri, who were his daughters, number system and letters (akshargyan) respectively and made them proficient in the field of Arts and Crafts. Right from this time Brahmi lipi came into being. According to many scholars the present day Nagari lipi or script has been developed from Brahmi Script.

One day Nilanjana, a dancer expired while dancing in Rajmahal this brought oversion in him and he became apathetic in worldly or materealistic life. Consequently he left all the state affairs and responsibilities on his elder son, Bharat and aquired Digambari Deeksha and went to soods for meditation. Bharat became very eminent and renowed emperor. Bharat was the first to get the Chakravati Pad by his might or digvijay. That is why this country is known by the name "Bharat" in his honour of the emperor Bharat. Its allegation is there in Jain literature and many scholars consented with this.

Rishabhdev remain absorbed in meditation for about one thousand years and got "Kaivalya" i.e. self realization as a result of his intense devotion and sadhna.He showered the rain of his teachings so as to uplift humanity. He conquered all his vices, so he is called as "Jin" and the Dharma originated by him is called as Jain Dharma. He got Moksha or Nirvan at Kailash Parvat. This was the origin of Jain Dharma and from this era the Jain Dharma became the Dharma for humanity or mankind.

Above view or hypothesis about Jain Dharma is supported in Jain lietrature and by the evidences from archeology. There is reference of Rishabhdev alongwith Jin Vatrasna Keshi and so on Munis in Rigved, the oldest Ved in the Vedic Sahitya or scripture. Scholars have related Rishabhdev and other Munis with Jain Munis. The use of word Aharn in various Richas of Rigved shows that the Jain Dharma is an ancient religion.

Last Tirthankar Mahavir was born on Shukla Tryodashi in the month of Chaitra (Monday, March 27th, 598 B.C.) in Kundgram. Kundgram was under the republic of famous Vajji Sangh of Vratya Kshatriya. This place is recognised as Vaishalinagar in Bihar at present time. There is located a memorial of Bhagwan Mahavir. His father Siddharth was the chief of that place. He was Gyatrivanshi Kashyap gotriya Kshatriya and his mother Trishala was the daughter of Lichchhavi Naresh Chaitak who was the president of the above Sangh or organisation. She was also known by name as Priyakarini Devi. Mahavir, being nathvanshi, is also called as Nat Putra (Nath Putra) in Bodha Dharma Granth. His childhood name was Vardhman but due to different incidences occurred in due course of time, he was called by various names like Veer, Ativeer, Sanmati, Mahavir and so on.

Anarchism was prevailing in India at the time of Mahavir. Violence holted its roots firmly all around. In society high class people in the proud of their high society or level were exploiting the low class poor people. How society people although being humans, were deprived of human rights for mankind i.e. fundamental rights. Kumar Vardhmans mind and heart was restless seeing this violence and differences. This hard condition full of mallice led him to move on the path of self introspection, self research and self realization.

Thus, he aquired Digambari Diksha on Margsirsha Krishna Dashmi (Nov. 29th, 569 B.C.) abondoning the entire kingdom or dukedom and refusing the marrige proposal in the very young age of 30 years. He remained absorbed in silent meditation, i.e. moun sadhana for about twelve years. consequently, He got Keval Gyan i.e. self realization on the bank of Hrijukula river of Trimbak village in Bihar on Vaishakh Shukla Dashmi (April 23rd, 597 B.C.). He became Vitraagi, Survagya, Sarvadarshi Parmatma i.e. Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscent God. He arrived at Vipulchal Parvat outside the Rajgrah. He gave his first Dharmopdesh i.e. preachings on Shrawan krishna pratipada.

His teachings were in Ardhamagdhi language which could be understand by all. Tirthankar Mahavir did not found a new religion but he caused redemption of the religion founded by earlier Tirthankars. His dharma sabha was called as Samavasharan where all the people were allowed for well-being teachings or instructions without having any differences on the basis of colour, caste, creed, sex. Indrabhuti, Agnibhuti, Vayubhuti, Aryavyakta, Sudharm, Mandik putra, Maurya putra, Ankapit, Achal, Maitray and Prabhas were his eleven main followers or disciples. Mahasati Chandana was the chief of his Aaryika or Sadhvi Sangh. Emperor Shrenik was his main audience and empress Chelana was the leader of Shravak Sangh. In this he established different organisations or Sangh. viz., Muni, Aaryika, Shravak, Shravika, Rup Chaturvidh Sangh in which people from all caste and creeds were present. He showed the path of Mukti or self realization to the world by risiting different countries. He visited in the capitals of many states and the kings and emperors at that time were impressed by his views and preachings. Many of them took shraman diksha and devoted their life in self research and self realisation. Number of people became his followers as they were impressed by his basic principles of life like Ahinsa (non-violence), Sanyam (self control), Samata (equality) and so on.

In India, Mahavirs disciple and followers were everywhere. Number of devotees were also in the countries other than Bharat like Gandhar, Kapila, Parsik. He aquired "Nirvan" at Dvipakar Sthal Pradesh in the middle of Kamal Sarovar of Pavanagar in Brahma Muhurt in the morning of Kartik Krishna Amavasya (Tuesday, Oct. 15, 527). Still today there is present a vast and huge temple at that place which tells and recalls the story of Mahavirs Nirvan.

Non-violence, indifference, equality and action were the theme of Mahavirs teachings. Ahinsa or non-violence was dealt at extreme level or in highest degree by Mahavir and not by any other preacher or saint. He had shaped Jain dharma in highly developed or advanced form.

It is clear from the history of Jain dharma is the ancient religion and the principles in the prospect of unity and development of an individual, society, nation or world established by Jain religion are as useful and naval as they were at that time.

After the Nirvan of Bhagwan Mahavir, his main disciple Gautam became the head and leading person of the Jain Sangh. He was the eminent Brahmin Pandit and knew Ved-Vedant before aquiring the disciple state of Mahavir. He got Keval Gyan in the evening of the day of Mahavir Nirvan. Sangh remain under his guidence and leadership later he got nirvan on Mahavir Samvat 12 (515 B.C.). Later on Sudharmacharya got Keval Gyan. Sangh was lead by him for about twenty two years. After his Nirvan Jambu Swami became the foremost of Sangh. He was son of a Kotyadhish of Champa Nagari. He was influenced by Mahavir and became his follower. He showered his preaching for thirty nine years and got Nirvan in the place called Mathura Chaurasi. Then Vishnu Kumar, Nandiputra, Aprajit, Govardhan and Bhadrabahu became Shrutkevali and successively leaded Sangh. Kalyog of all these five equals to hundred years. All had knowledge of shrut. Among them last shrut Kevali Bhadrabahu had an important place in the history of Jainism. The whole Jain Sangh was undivided, as one unit, at the time of Bhadrabahu. But after his death or Nirvan there arose differences in their views in the minds of saints or sadhus which resulted into the division of Jain Sangh as Digamber Jain Sangh and Shwetamber Jain Sangh.

                                               Jain Tirthankars