Padmavati Mata in Jainism

• Who she is: Padmavati is a Yakshini (protective goddess) and Shasan Devi (goddess of the teaching) closely associated with Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara. She is considered Parshvanath’s Yakshini and is worshipped as a guardian who helps protect the soul on the spiritual path. You’ll see her paired with Parshvanath and sometimes with Dharanendra, Parshvanath’s protective serpent. You can read more about her role and identity here.

• How she is depicted: In many images, Padmavati is shown seated with a serpent canopy over her head and holds symbols like a lotus, a noose, a fruit, and a goad. Depictions and exact attributes vary between Digambar and Śvetāmbar traditions, but the core idea remains that she is a powerful guardian goddess linked to Parshvanath. You can see notes on her iconography and cross-tradition differences here.

• Her significance in Jain practice: Devotees seek Padmavati’s protection, blessings for prosperity and well-being, and assistance in removing obstacles on the spiritual path, all while upholding Jain principles like non-violence and ethical conduct. Various stotras and devotional texts to Padmavati are used in Jain worship, with practice slightly differing between Digambar and Śvetāmbara communities. You can read more about her role and related stotras here.

• Important note on tradition differences: There are small variations in how Padmavati is described and worshipped in Digambar vs. Śvetāmbar lineages (including iconography and where she sits in relation to Parshvanath and Dharanendra). The essence, however, is the same: Padmavati as a guardian Yakshini who supports adherents of Parshvanath’s teachings. For more on how these traditions differ, see the general overview linked above.

You can read more about Padmavati Mata and related worship on these Jain Knowledge pages:

• Padmavati mataji details.
• Padmavati Mata sahasranam.
• Padmavati Mata daily mantra.