From a Jain dharma point of view, it is important to separate two things:

1. What is “right” according to Jain scriptures and tradition
2. What many people actually do in family / social life

1. What is the Jain ideal?

• In Jainism, true worship (upāsanā) is meant for:

- Arihant Bhagwan (Tirthankars) - Siddha Bhagwan (liberated souls) - And, with respect, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhus (as in Navkar Mantra)

• Hindu gods (Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi, etc.) are not part of Jain soteric worship. They are seen, at most, as devas – powerful but still bound by karma, still in samsar, not givers of moksha. ( jainknowledge.com)

• So, according to pure Jain philosophy, your main devotion, trust, and spiritual refuge should be only in:

- Tirthankars - Siddhas - Jain dharma and its path of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

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2. Then is it “wrong” to pray to both?

Jain dharma would say:

• If you:

- Keep Tirthankars as your main focus, - Understand that no god can cancel your karma or give moksha, - And do not let other devotions weaken your faith in Jain principles (ahimsa, aparigraha, etc.),

then culturally folding hands or offering a simple namaskar where Hindu gods are present is not seen as a big sin. It is more social respect than religious refuge.

• But, making regular, strong bhakti to Hindu gods as if they are supreme saviors, or expecting them to “do everything” for you, goes against the core Jain view that:

- Each soul is responsible for its own karma - Liberation comes only by following the path shown by Tirthankars, not by grace of any deity. ( jainknowledge.com)

So, from a Jain perspective:

• Ideal / Shuddh drashti:

Pray only to Tirthankars, Siddhas, and the Navkar’s five Pad. Keep your spiritual dependence only there.

• Practical life:

Many Jains live in mixed environments and may sometimes join family in Hindu rituals. This is best kept: - As respectful participation, not deep inner refuge. - Without compromising Jain vows (ahimsa in food, drink, and conduct).

3. Simple guideline to check yourself

Ask yourself honestly:

1. Whom do I see as my real “savior”?

– If your answer in your heart is “Tirthankars and my own effort on their path,” you are aligned with Jain dharma.

1. Why am I praying to Hindu gods?

- Only for family peace / respect? - Or because I believe they control my destiny and moksha? - If it is the second, try to gently bring your faith back to Jain teachings.

1. Is this mixing making me weaker in Jain practice?

- Less samayik, pratikraman, swadhyay? - More focus on worldly boons than on inner change? If yes, then reduce that practice and strengthen Jain bhakti.

4. Digambar & Shwetambar

• Both traditions:

- Center worship on Tirthankars and Siddhas. - Do not consider Hindu gods as necessary or main objects of worship.

• Differences are mostly in rituals and certain dev-devi traditions, not in the basic rule that Jina-bhakti is supreme. ( jainknowledge.com)

Summary: According to Jain dharma, your primary and pure spiritual worship should be towards Jain Tirthankars and liberated souls. Occasionally joining Hindu worship in a social way is a personal/ family matter, but making Hindu gods your main refuge or mixing in a way that dilutes Jain principles is not in line with Jain teachings.