Answer

In Jainism, devs are generally divided into 4 main types:

1. Bhavanavasi Dev – dwelling in abodes and lower heavenly regions
2. Vyantara Dev – wandering celestial beings
3. Jyotishi Dev – celestial beings connected with luminaries like sun, moon, stars, and planets
4. Vaimanik Dev – heavenly beings who reside in the upper celestial realms

Explanation

These are the common classifications of deva in Jain cosmology:

• Bhavanavasi Dev: live in places associated with particular palaces or abodes.
• Vyantara Dev: are moving or wandering devas.
• Jyotishi Dev: are connected with celestial lights and bodies.
• Vaimanik Dev: live in the higher heavenly realms and are considered more exalted among devas.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, devas are still within samsara. Even though they enjoy great pleasures and powers, they are not liberated. Their life is also temporary, and after their heavenly existence ends, they continue their journey according to karma.

Takeaway

The main types of dev in Jainism are Bhavanavasi, Vyantara, Jyotishi, and Vaimanik. They are all celestial beings, but none are beyond the cycle of birth and death.