Answer

In Jain Dharma, we do not pray only to Simandhar Swami. We worship and bow to all Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyays, and Sadhus through the Navkar Mantra.

However, Simandhar Swami is especially remembered because, according to Jain tradition, He is a present living Tirthankar in Mahavideh Kshetra.

Explanation

In our Bharat Kshetra, there is no living Tirthankar present right now. Bhagwan Mahavir Swami was the 24th Tirthankar of this time cycle, and He attained moksha.

But in Mahavideh Kshetra, Jain tradition says that Tirthankars are present even now. Among them, Simandhar Swami is especially well-known and worshipped by many Jains.

Devotees pray to Simandhar Swami because:

• He is a living Arihant.
• He is currently giving deshna in Mahavideh Kshetra.
• His presence reminds us that true Dharma is still being taught by a Tirthankar somewhere in the universe.
• Remembering Him strengthens faith in samyak darshan, samyak jnan, and samyak charitra.

But this does not mean other Tirthankars are less important. All Tirthankars are equally worthy of worship because they have destroyed attachment and hatred and shown the path to moksha.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain prayer is not about asking for worldly favors. We pray to the Tirthankars to develop their qualities within ourselves.

When we pray to Simandhar Swami, the feeling should be:

• May I develop right faith.
• May I understand true Dharma.
• May I reduce passions like anger, ego, deceit, and greed.
• May I progress toward liberation.

Takeaway

We especially remember Simandhar Swami because He is considered a present living Tirthankar in Mahavideh Kshetra, but Jain worship is ultimately directed toward the pure qualities of all Arihants and Siddhas, not only one Tirthankar.