according to jains, exactly twenty-four "tirthankaras" grace this part of the universe in each half of the jain time cycle. the first "tirthankara" was rishabhanatha, who is said to have taught men various arts and professions including agriculture. the 24th and last "tirthankara" of present half-cycle was mahavira (599-527 bc). his predecessor, parshvanatha, the twenty-third "tirthankara "was a historical figure.