The Jinas, also known as Tirthankaras, are teachers of Jainism who have attained kevalajnana (infinite knowledge) and who preach the doctrine of moksa (salvation). They are not the founders of a religion, but the propagators of a truth and a path which have already been traditionally taught. Each Jina continues this tradition of teaching for the benefit of future generations. Although scriptures teach and reassert that the Jina is a human being, born of human parents in the usual way, the Jaina laity is usually raised to regard him as more of a superhuman.
The teachings of Jinas are not received through some divine revelation or manifested through a magical power, but it is the individual soul, with the help of earlier teachings, that comes to know the truth. Nothing new is ever taught, so worshipping or following a particular Jina has no special significance.(1)