In Jainism, idols (murti) of the Tirthankaras are used as helps for spiritual focus and reverence, not as objects of worship of a creator god. Here’s the simple idea:

• Purpose: The idols remind us of the virtues of the Tirthankaras—non-violence, truth, restraint, compassion, and right perception. By looking at the image, a practitioner can recall these ideals and inspire right conduct in daily life.
• Focus for meditation and puja: In homes and temples, worshipping the idol directs attention and devotion toward Jain principles, making it easier to practice self-discipline and self-purification.
• Not for worship of a god: Jainism does not conceive a creator deity to be worshipped. The Tirthankaras are revered as enlightened teachers who showed the path to liberation. The ritual around the idol is about honoring that path and aligning one’s life with its values.
• Traditions differ: There are differences between Digambara and Śvētāmbara practices. Śvētāmbara temples commonly use marble idols and perform puja with offerings; Digambara imagery may differ in form and attire (e.g., some idols are depicted without clothes in certain traditions), but both aim to inspire detachment, ethical behavior, and spiritual awakening.
• Crafting and care: The making of idols is done with ritual care and purity to honor the teaching. The craft itself is a reminder of the care with which one should treat all living beings and follow the path to kevala-jnana (omniscience).

If you’d like, I can explain how the Digambar and Śvētāmbara perspectives differ on specific aspects of idol worship or provide a brief verse or sloka related to venerating Tirthankaras.