Who is a Tirthankar?

One who has attained Kevalgyan (liberation) and preaches the right path of liberation, is surrounded by the magnificence of samavsaran and other glories and in whom Tirthankar Namkarma has come to fruition, is called a Tirthankar.

A tirthankar is one who establishes or revitalises the Jain Dharma – one who establishes a “ford” or tīrtha across the river of human misery after conquering both love and hatred. He shows a fine path to the living beings of the world to be free from ignorance, misery and moha.

Tirthankars are free from the bondage of karmas. Their principles are for betterment and welfare of others. Jainism does not believe in the existence of God in the sense of a creator, as the Tirthankars are normal human beings like any of us but because of their continuous devotion and sadhana, they achieve liberation and get rid from all the bondages of karma and thus are considered as super human beings with full enlightenment.

In one kaalchakra there are two cycles – Avsarpini (regressive cycle) and Utsarpini (progressive cycle). This progressive and regressive cycle of time is applicable only to 5 Bharat kshetra (area) and 5 Airavat kshetra. We are currently in the avsarpini cycle. Every avsarpini and utsarpini cycle has 24 different Tithankars. This cycle of avsarpini and utsarpini is continuous i.e. never ending and will be there for infinity. There have been infinite Tirthankars in the past and will also be there in the future. As and when the dharma starts getting destroyed, a new Tirthankar is born to revitalze the Jain dharma.

The inner knowledge of all Tīrthaṅkars, Siddhas and Kevalis is perfect and identical in every respect, for the teachings of one Kevali does not contradict to those of another.

For further reference
1. Aarhantya by A. Hemchandra Suriji