In Jainism, Tirthankars are not “God” in the sense of a creator or controller of the universe.

Very simply:

• No creator God in Jainism:

Jain Dharma says the universe is beginningless, endless and self‑operating. There is no one supreme creator‑God who makes or runs it.

• Who is a Tirthankar then?

A Tirthankar is: - A soul who was once like us (a normal jiva), - Who purified all karmas, attained Keval‑jnan (infinite knowledge), - Became an Arihant and then a Siddha (liberated soul), - And, in that last birth, established the path (tirth) of liberation for others.

• Why we call them “Bhagwan”?

We bow to them as Bhagwan Mahavir, Bhagwan Parshvanath, etc. Here “Bhagwan” means: - One who is full of infinite knowledge, faith and bliss, - Completely free from attachment, hatred and karmas. It does not mean a creator‑God; it means a perfectly liberated, worship‑worthy soul.

• Are they like gods in heaven (devas)?

No: - Devas = heavenly beings, still bound by karma, still in samsar. - Tirthankars / Siddhas = totally free from karma, never to be reborn. In Jainism, Tirthankars are far higher than devas.

• Digambar & Shwetambar view:

Both traditions agree: - No creator God of the universe. - Tirthankars are supreme perfected souls who show the path, not creators or controllers.

If you want to read a simple explanation of “Who is a Tirthankar?”, you can see more here: