In Jainism, the main object of worship is not Hindu gods, but:

1. Arihant / Tirthankaras – perfectly enlightened souls (like Bhagwan Mahavir).
2. Siddhas – liberated souls who have gone beyond birth and death.
3. Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus – great Jain monks and teachers.

These are collectively remembered in the Navkār Mantra.

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Then who are the “gods” in Jainism?

Jainism accepts the existence of many devas (heavenly beings). Some have names similar to Hindu gods, for example:

• Indra (Śakra) – king of a heavenly realm, who does pūjā of Tirthankaras.
• Brahmā, Sarasvatī, Lakṣmī, Padmāvatī, Kṣetrapāl, etc.

But in Jain philosophy:

• They are not creators of the universe.
• They are souls like us, temporarily in a higher birth because of past puṇya karma.
• They are much lower than Arihant and Siddha.
• They themselves bow to the Tirthankaras.

Both Digambar and Śvetāmbara agree on this basic principle: No god, including any Hindu god, is supreme creator or liberator. Only one’s own right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct lead to moksha.

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Do Jains ever worship Hindu gods?

• Ideal Jain scriptural teaching:

Worship should be focused on Jinas and Jain deities (yakṣa–yakṣiṇī, Indra, etc.) only as helpers on the path, never as creators or givers of liberation.

• In practice (socially/culturally):

In some regions, a few Jains may join local festivals or do some form of Gaṇeś, Hanumān, etc. worship due to family or social custom. But this is cultural mixing, not Jain siddhānta (doctrine).

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Key point in simple words

• Jainism does not teach worship of Hindu gods as supreme beings.
• Some names overlap, but meanings and roles are different.
• True Jain worship is towards enlightened souls (Tirthankaras and Siddhas) and Jain spiritual guides, because only they show and embody the path to liberation.