Jains believe that exactly twenty-four Tirthankars are born in each half-cycle of time. No two Tirthankars are born in each half-cycle of time. No two Tirthankars have lived at the same time and place in the universe. Generally, a Tirthankar is born when the religion is at its depressive state. He revives the same philosophy and religion at that time. Sometimes he gives a different form to the religion, depending upon the time, place and human behavior. The first Tirthankar was Adinath, who is credited with formulating and organizing humans to live in a society harmoniously. The 23rd Tirthankar, Parshvanath, preached four great vows. The vow of celibacy was included in the non-possession category during Parshvanath's time. The 24th and last Tirthankar, Mahavir (599-527 bc), was born in Bihar and he preached the five great vows.

Bihar, my birth state, has been crucible for many religions, including Jainism, I revere the soil on which Mahavir must have once walked, and cherish the moment when I had this awakening to pay my obeisance to one of the oldest religion in the world through these works of my art.