main gods or people in Jainism

In Jainism, we do not believe in a single creator God like in many other religions. Instead, we revere pure souls who have perfected themselves. The main revered beings are:

1. Panch Parmeshthi (Five Supreme Beings)

These are the central “gods” or supreme beings in Jainism:

1. Arihant

- A soul who has destroyed all inner enemies (anger, ego, greed, deceit) and attained keval jnān (infinite knowledge). - While still having a body, they teach the path of liberation. - Special Arihants who establish the Jain Sangh are called Tirthankaras.

1. Siddha

- A fully liberated soul. - No body, no rebirth, no karmas — only pure consciousness and eternal bliss. - This is the final goal for every soul in Jainism.

1. Āchārya

- Head of the Jain monk–nun community. - Guides monks, nuns, and laypeople on the spiritual path.

1. Upādhyāya

- Teacher of scriptures. - Specially respected for deep knowledge of Jain Agams and for teaching them.

1. Sādhu / Muni (Monk)

- One who has renounced worldly life and follows great vows of non‑violence, truth, non‑stealing, celibacy, and non‑possession.

All five are praised in the Navkar Mantra, the main Jain prayer. ( jainknowledge.com)

You can read a simple explanation of these five supreme beings here:

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2. Tirthankaras (24 Jinas)

Within Arihants, 24 Tirthankaras of this time-cycle are especially important. They are enlightened teachers who:

• Attain omniscience (keval jnān)
• Re‑establish Jain dharma
• Create the fourfold sangh (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen)

Some well‑known Tirthankaras:

• Rishabhdev / Adinath – 1st Tirthankar
• Parshvanath – 23rd Tirthankar
• Mahavir Swami – 24th and last Tirthankar of this era ( jainknowledge.com)

All 24 Tirthankaras are spiritually equal.

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3. Deities associated with Tirthankaras

Apart from these pure souls, Jains also respectfully worship some Yakshas, Yakshinis, and Vidyādevīs (divine attendants/protectors), for help and protection on the spiritual path. Example:

• Padmavati Devi – Yakshini of Bhagwan Parshvanath ( jainknowledge.com)

These deities are not creators; they are powerful beings still within the universe (saṃsār), helping devotees and protecting dharma.

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Simple summary

• Jainism’s “main gods” are actually perfect or highly advanced souls, not creators.
• The core are Panch Parmeshthi: Arihant, Siddha, Āchārya, Upādhyāya, and Sādhu.
• Among Arihants, the 24 Tirthankaras (like Rishabhdev and Mahavir) are the best-known.
• Some deities (Yaksh/Yakshini, Vidyādevī) are also revered as protectors, but they are not supreme like Arihants and Siddhas.