What is the purpose of worship of ghantakarna Mahavir, Mani Bhadra veer and nakoda bhairav
- Ghantakarna Mahavir (Ghanta-karna Veer) is one of the 52 Viras (protector deities) in Śvetāmbara Jainism. Devotees worship him mainly for protection from obstacles, diseases, epidemics, fires, ghosts, and other dangers, and to safeguard the Jain path. He is a guardian, not the Tirthankara Mahavira himself. In practice, he is especially venerated in the Mahudi tradition and is linked with ritual practices that seek protection and courage on the spiritual journey. You can read more here .
- Maṇibhadra Veer (Manibhadra) is a Yaksha (guardian deity) revered in Jainism, particularly among communities associated with the Tapa Gaccha. He is worshipped as a protector who can help with safety, removal of hurdles, and daily successful activities, including matters of wealth and well-being. There are stuti/jaap traditions dedicated to him, with variations between communities. You can read more here .
- Nakoda Bhairav is a tutelary Bhairav associated with Jain temples, especially in western India. He is worshipped by many for protection of the temple precincts and for help with worldly desires and material concerns. Rituals around Nakoda Bhairav are often conducted after venerating the principal Jina (Parsva or other Tirthankar) in the temple, and offerings or prayers are made seeking fulfillment of wishes or protection. Note: Nakoda Bhairav is not a Tirthankar and his worship is separate from the liberated Jina’s path. (There is no dedicated JainKnowledge page linked here, but the practice is widely described in Jain tradition.)
If you’d like, I can provide the exact Gujarati/Sanskrit verses or mantras used in these practices, and indicate how Digambar and Śvetāmbar traditions differ in their emphasis.