While scriptures forbid comparing anyone with the Tirthankars, the same scriptures have elucidated how Acharyas are like Tirthankars in the absence of the latter, in nine different ways.

Remember that this comparison only applies to Bhaav Acharyas, i.e. true Acharyas, and not just nominal ones.

"The Bhaav Acharya which propounds the Jaina doctrine as it is, is like the Tirthankar. He who transgresses the Jaina doctrine is not a noble person but an ignoble person" (147)

[Nine similarities:]

1. "Just like the Tirthankar does not go for bhiksha after becoming a bhaav Tirthankar (attaining Kevalgyan), the Acharya too does not go for bhiksha." (148)

2. "Like the Tirthankar propounds the pure essence of all the scriptures, the Acharya also gathers the knowledge of all the scriptures that are available at that time, and preaches their essence." (149)

3. "Like the Tirthankar seated in Samovasaran preaches in the first prahar (each prahar = roughly 3 hours) of the day, the Acharya also preaches to householders only in the first prahar of the day." (150)

4, 5. "Like the Aagnyaa or commandments of the Tirthankar are not to be transgressed, the commandments of the Acharya are not to be transgressed. Like the Tirthankar does not eat along with the rest of the Sadhus, the Acharya too does not eat with the remaining group of Sadhus." (151)

6, 7. "Like the Tirthankar is worthy of worship by everyone, the Acharya is too. Like the Tirthankar does not fear any turbulent conditions or sufferings, the Acharya does not fear them too." (152)

8, 9. "The Acharya, like the Tirthankar, does not brood about worldly happenings, praise his own self, or speak with others without cause. Inclined towards solitude, the Acharya engages in spiritual reflection (when free from other work)." (153)

– Sambodh Prakaran, by Yakini-Mahattara-Sunu Acharya Bhagwan Shri Haribhasurishwarji Maharaja (If anything in the translation is against Jinagnya, please accept my heartfelt "Michchhami Dukkadam".)