What is the meaning of word ‘Tirthankaras’ in Jainism?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Guiding mentors who guide people across the river of existence.

Option (1) Belief in Ahimsa. — Incorrect. Ahimsa, non-injury to living beings, is a principle central to Jaina philosophy. It is a teaching, not the meaning of the word tirthankara.

Option (2) Guiding mentors who guide people across the river of existence. — Correct. According to Jaina tradition, Mahavira was preceded by 23 other teachers or tirthankaras, literally those who guide men and women across the river of existence.

Option (3) Renouncing of the world. — Incorrect. Renouncing the world is the way to free oneself from the cycle of karma; that is why monastic life was a necessary condition of salvation for the Jainas. It is not what the word tirthankara means.

Option (4) Transmigration. — Incorrect. Transmigration is the cycle of birth and rebirth, which, according to Jaina teachings, is shaped through karma. The tirthankaras are the teachers who show the way across it.

NCERT (2026-27): “The Message of Mahavira … According to Jaina tradition, Mahavira was preceded by 23 other teachers or tirthankaras – literally, those who guide men and women across the river of existence. The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy. In fact the principle of ahimsa, emphasised within Jainism, has left its mark on Indian thinking as a whole. According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.…”