Answer

In Jainism, God is not seen as a creator, ruler, or controller of the universe.

Jain Dharma teaches that every soul has the potential to become divine by completely destroying karmas and attaining liberation. Such liberated souls are called Siddhas, and perfected enlightened beings who show the path to liberation are called Arihants or Tirthankars.

Explanation

Jainism does not believe in one supreme creator God. According to Jain philosophy:

• The universe is eternal; it was not created by anyone.
• Every living being has a soul, called jiva.
• The soul is naturally full of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.
• Because of karma, the soul is bound in the cycle of birth and death.
• When all karmas are destroyed, the soul becomes liberated and reaches the state of Siddha.

So, in Jainism, God means a perfect, liberated soul, not a creator of the world.

Spiritual Understanding

Jainism teaches that divinity is not outside us as a creator being, but within the pure nature of every soul. The Tirthankars, such as Bhagwan Mahavir, are worshipped because they attained perfect knowledge and showed the path of liberation.

Jains worship them not to ask for favors, but to develop the same qualities of:

• Right faith
• Right knowledge
• Right conduct
• Non-violence
• Detachment
• Self-discipline

Takeaway

In Jainism, God is the fully purified soul. Jain Dharma does not teach dependence on a creator God; it teaches self-purification, karma destruction, and liberation through one’s own spiritual effort.