In Jainism, the term "Devi" refers to female deities or celestial beings, but their role and status are distinctly different from those in Hinduism or other religious traditions.

Key points about Devis in Jainism:

1. Not Objects of Worship for Liberation:

In Jainism, Devis (and Devas, the male counterparts) are heavenly beings who reside in various heavens due to their accumulation of good karma in previous lives. However, they are still bound by the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and are not liberated souls (Siddhas). Jains do not worship them for moksha (liberation).

1. Popular Jain Devis:

Some of the well-known Devis in Jainism include: - Padmavati Devi: The protective goddess (yakshini) of the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath. - Ambika Devi: Associated with the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath. - Chakreshwari Devi: The yakshini of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanath (Adinath). These Devis are often depicted in Jain temples as attendants or protective spirits of the Tirthankaras.

1. Role as Yakshinis:

Most Devis in Jainism are Yakshinis, who are regarded as attendants or guardians of the Tirthankaras. They help devotees, but their worship is secondary and never a substitute for the reverence given to the Tirthankaras.

1. Worship Practices:

While Jain philosophy emphasizes worship of the Tirthankaras as liberated souls, some Jain communities engage in ritual worship of Devis, seeking blessings for worldly protection or removal of obstacles. This practice is more common in the Shwetambar tradition and among lay Jains.

1. No Creation or Destruction:

In Jainism, Devis (and Devas) are not creators or destroyers of the universe. Jain cosmology teaches that the universe is eternal and uncreated, and no deity has the power to create, sustain, or destroy it.

In summary, Devis in Jainism are revered as powerful celestial beings or protective spirits, but they are not considered supreme or ultimate objects of worship. The focus in Jainism remains on the Tirthankaras and the path to self-realization and liberation.