Explanation:

• In Jain cosmology, the wheel of time is divided in two halves, Utsarpi?i or ascending time cycle and avasarpi?i, the descending time cycle (said to be current now).
• In each half of the cosmic time cycle, exactly twenty-four tirthankaras grace this part of the universe.
• There have been an infinite number of tirthankaras in the past time periods.
• The first tirthankara in this present time cycle was Rishabhanatha, who is credited for formulating and organising humans to live in a society harmoniously.
• The 24th and last tirthankara of present half-cycle was Mahavira (599–527 BC).