What is the literal meaning of the word 'Tirthankaras'?

Those who guide men and women across the river of existence.

The fundamental philosophy of the Jains predates the birth of Vardhamana, renowned as Mahavira, in the sixth century BCE. Within the Jaina tradition, Mahavira is acknowledged as the 24th tirthankara, which translates to "those who guide men and women across the river of existence." This recognition indicates the existence of 23 preceding teachers who also played crucial roles in expounding the timeless wisdom of the Jain philosophy in ancient North India.