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as Eras. During the Utsarpinis half cycle, humanity
develops from its worst to its best. During the Avsarpinis half-cycle, these notions deteriorate from the best to the worst. Jains believe we are currently in the fifth Era of the Avsarpinis phase, with approximately 19,000 years until the next Era. After this Avsarpinis phase, the Utsarpinis phase will begin, continuing the infinite repetition of the Kalchakra.
Lord Rishabha (*) is regarded as the first and Lord Vardhamana (Mahavira, ¿) is regarded the last Tirthankar to attain enlightenment (599-527 BCE) of the present six-cycle period of Jain chronology. Before Mahavira, Jain tradition was known by many names such
as
1. Sraman
2. Nigganthas/nirgranthas
3. Arhat
4. Vatarshana Muni 5. Vratya
