Jainism Important Facts: The name of two Jain Tirthankaras (prophets or gurus), Rishabha & Arishtanemi, are found in the Rigveda. The Vishnu Purana & the Bhagavat Purana describe Rishabha as incarnation of Narayana. There were 24 tirthankaras, all kshatriyas & belonging to the Royal family. The first was Rishabha, the founder of Jainism & the last twenty fourth was Mahavira. Swami Parshavanath the twenty-third Tirthankara was son of Ashvasena, the king of Kashi. He was born about 250 years before Mahavira. Mahavira adopted prakrit language which was the language of common people. Religious literature was written in Ardh magadhi. Vardhamana Mahavira: Mahavira was … Continue reading Jainism