Difference between arihant and siddha mulnayak dhaja
- Arihant: A Jina who has conquered inner enemies (like anger, attachment, pride, greed) and attained kevala jnana (infinite knowledge) but still has a physical body. They continue to perform actions in the world and are worshipped as a great spiritual guide. After death, they become Siddha. In short, an Arihant is a perfected but embodied soul.
- Siddha: A liberated soul who has destroyed all karmas and is free from the cycle of birth and death. Siddhas are bodiless and reside in Siddhashila; they have complete, eternal freedom and no activity in the worldly sense.
- Mulnayak dhaja: Mulnayak means the principal or presiding deity (the main idol) of a temple or shrine. Dhaja (banner/flag) or the related emblem is a symbolic marker connected with that Mulnayak—the flag/banner or insignia seen in temple architecture or processions to signify the presence and honor of the Mulnayak. In Jain practice, the Mulnayak is central to worship, and its associated symbols (including banners or dhaja) help depict its reverence.
If you want, I can explain these concepts with exact verses from Jain scriptures and note any Digambar vs. Śvetāmbara variations.