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  • do jains accept hindu gods
  • author Posted by
    Jain Follower

    do jains accept hindu gods

    6 months ago 183

    In Jainism, the short and clear answer is:

    • No, Jains do not “accept Hindu gods” as creators, rulers of the universe, or givers of moksha.
    • Yes, Jains do accept that many such beings (Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi, etc.) can exist as powerful devas/devis within saṁsār (the cycle of birth and death). They are souls, not supreme God.

    What Jains actually worship

    In Jain Dharma, proper worship is directed to:

    1. Arihant Bhagwan – living or recently-liberated Omniscient beings.
    2. Siddha Bhagwan – fully liberated souls, beyond birth and death.
    3. Sadhu / Acharya – true monks following the path.
    4. Jin-vani / Agam – true Jain scriptures.

    These are our real “Gods” in the Jain sense (perfect souls), not Hindu gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, etc. ( jainknowledge.com)

    Then why do we see Hindu-like deities in many Jain temples?

    • Forms like Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, Yaksha–Yakshini, Kshetrapal may be present in or around Jain temples.
    • In Jainism they are understood as:
    - Devas/devis or protector deities, - respected for auspiciousness, knowledge, or protection, - not as creators of the universe or givers of liberation. ( jainknowledge.com)

    So images may look “Hindu”, but the Jain meaning is different.

    Do any traditions differ (Digambar / Shvetambar)?

    • Both traditions agree:
    - Moksha comes only by following Tirthankar’s path (Ratnatray). - No Hindu god is accepted as supreme lord or as the direct giver of moksha.
    • Differences are only in:
    - which protector deities are emphasized, - how much iconography (like Ganesha, Padmavati, Manibhadra, etc.) is used in actual practice. ( jainknowledge.com)

    Summary

    • Jains respect all souls, including those whom Hindus call gods.
    • But Jain Dharma does not accept any Hindu god as a creator, controller of karma, or shortcut to moksha.
    • For a Jain, the highest refuge is always: Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and true Sadhu, and the path of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

    You can read more in a simple Q&A style here

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