Jainism believes that Mahavira was 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, preceptor… an enlightened one, a Siddha! Before advent of Mahavira 23 more Tirthankaras manifest on mother earth. The first was Adinatha (termed Shiva by some). The 22nd Tirthankara Neminatha was cousin of Lord Krishna.
Despite 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism, Jainism is primarily recognized from the times of Mahavira. Why? Until 23 Tirthankaras the jnana wisdom gained by these enlightened ones remained confined to their individual self. It was only in times of Mahavira, the spiritual wisdom spread to masses.
After becoming a kaivalya jnani, Mahavira did not preach anything. None world over was competent to decipher what Mahavira had to say. It was only when Gautama Gani came into the scene and he assimilated pearls of wisdom stated by Mahavira did the jnana wisdom of Mahavira reach the masses.
The significance of 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism clearly spells that life in cosmic system was an ongoing process. Enlightened ones keep manifesting on mother earth. Unlike Christianity and Buddhism where there was a single preceptor, the chain in Jainism continued until Mahavira.
Jainism believes in continuity of life prime reason why it is also termed “A Way of Life”. Jainism believes that every single human being on mother earth had divinity within to become a Jina, an enlightened one… a Siddha!
By: Vijay Kumar “Atma Jnani”… The Man who Realized God in 1993 – (Ref. 161213)
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