Which of the following Jain tirthankaras is traditionally associated with the emblem of a serpent and is historically regarded as the predecessor of Mahavira?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Parsvanatha, the twenty-third tirthankara of Jainism, is traditionally represented with a serpent canopy and is considered a historical figure who preceded Mahavira by about two centuries. He propagated the four basic vows of non-injury, truthfulness, non-stealing, and non-possession, to which Mahavira added celibacy. Rishabhanatha was the first tirthankara associated with the bull symbol, while Neminatha is linked with the conch shell.