According to Jainism, a Tirthankar is a saviour and spiritual teacher of the dharma (righteous path). There are 24 Tirthankars, the first one was Rishabhanath and the last one was Mahavir Swamy. According to Jainism philosophy, the word Tirthankara signifies the founder of a Tirtha, which is a fordable passage across the sea of interminable births and deaths, that is Sansar. According to Jainism, a Tirthankara is an individual who has conquered the Sansar, the cycle of death and rebirth, through their own efforts and made a path for others to follow. Tīrthaṅkaras are Arihants who after attaining kevalajnana (pure infinite knowledge) preach the true Dharma (righteous path). An Arihant is also known as Jina (victor), is one who has conquered inner enemies such as anger, attachment, pride and greed.
