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Mahavira & Pathway to Liberation / 35
10. Tirthankara
Tirthankara is a saint who makes a bridge to cross over the ocean of transmigratory existence. The Jaina tradition affirms the existence of twenty four Tirthankaras, from Risabha to Mahavira. This word seems to be peculiar to Jainism. And it is understood to mean a Teacher or revealer of the truth of the Jain faith. The word Tirtha is also understood to mean a holy community or place. Jain sangha comprises of four categories of members : monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen. They follow the teachings of tirthankar, pray to him, worship him and praise him, considering him to be a paragon of religious perfection. A tirthankara is a symbol of all that is good and great, noble and prude, moral and virtuous. He does not in any way share the responsibility of creating, preserving, supporting and destroying the world. He does not bestow any favour or grace on any individual. He is the embodiment of right knowledge and he imparts that knowledge to all persons. He is the best of all and those who know him overcome. grief and sorrow.
