Answer

According to Jain Dharma, praying to devs and devis is not for liberation, because only the Tirthankars, Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyays, and true Sadhus are objects of supreme spiritual reverence.

Dev and devis may be respectfully honored mainly for:

• their association with Jain Dharma,
• their service as protectors of tīrths, temples, scriptures, and the Jain saṅgh,
• expressing gratitude for their supportive role,
• seeking removal of obstacles in worldly or religious activities, within proper limits.

But they are not worshipped as creators, saviors, or givers of moksha.

Explanation

In Jain understanding, devs and devis are still saṃsārī jīvas—souls within the cycle of birth and death. They may have heavenly status, special powers, and devotion toward the Jinas, but they have not destroyed all karmas.

Therefore:

• They can assist in worldly matters or protect religious places according to their capacity.
• They may inspire devotion and remove obstacles for sincere worshippers.
• But they cannot destroy one’s karma, give samyag darshan, or grant moksha.

The highest prayer in Jain Dharma is always directed toward the qualities of the liberated and spiritually advanced beings, especially through the Navkar Mantra. The purpose of that prayer is not asking for favors, but bowing to purity, detachment, right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct.

Spiritual Understanding

The proper Jain attitude toward devs and devis is one of respect, gratitude, and restraint—not dependence.

For example, many Jain traditions honor yakshas and yakshinis connected with Tirthankars, such as protective deities associated with temples or tīrths. This is generally understood as respect for their role in guarding and serving Jain Dharma.

However, spiritually, a Jain should remember:

• The true refuge is the path shown by the Jinas.
• Protection ultimately comes from one’s own right conduct and reduction of karma.
• No deity can replace self-effort, vows, ahiṃsā, saṃyam, tapas, and samyag darshan.

So if one prays to devs and devis, it should be with the understanding that they are supportive beings, not supreme objects of liberation.

Takeaway

In Jain Dharma, devs and devis may be honored with gratitude and respectfully approached for protection or removal of obstacles, especially in service of dharma. But the highest worship is always of the Arihants and Siddhas, because only they represent the complete path and final state of liberation.