Jai Jinendra.

I am very sorry you experienced this. What you felt in your heart is understandable. When a person approaches with devotion and humility, being ignored or treated differently can feel deeply painful.

Answer

In Jain Dharma, the true worth of a person is not based on caste, birth, wealth, or social status. Jain Dharma teaches that every soul is equal in its pure nature. What matters spiritually is:

• Samyak Darshan — right faith
• Samyak Gyan — right knowledge
• Samyak Charitra — right conduct
• Ahimsa, humility, forgiveness, and self-purification

Your devotion to Jain Dharma is not made smaller because of your caste.

Explanation

Digambar sadhus follow very strict rules regarding physical contact. In many traditions, monks may avoid touch due to vows of discipline, purity, and restraint. So, not touching the feet may sometimes be connected to monastic rules.

But if you were treated differently specifically because of caste, then that is very hurtful and not in harmony with the deeper Jain principle that every jiva has the capacity for liberation.

Jain Dharma teaches that the soul has no caste. Caste belongs to the body and social identity, not to the atma.

Spiritual Understanding

Please do not let one painful incident take you away from Jain Dharma.

Arihant Bhagwan, Siddha Bhagwan, Acharya, Upadhyay, and Sadhu are worshipped for their qualities — not for worldly identity. In the same way, your spiritual path is also based on your inner qualities.

If your heart has shraddha, vinay, ahimsa, and desire for self-purification, then you are walking on a noble path.

At the same time, your pain is real. You may respectfully take guidance from a wise Jain teacher, elder, or scholar who understands both Jain principles and compassion.

Takeaway

Do not think, “Jain Dharma rejected me.” Think instead: “My soul is equal, pure, and capable of liberation.”

Keep your faith in Tirthankar Bhagwan, not in the hurt caused by one human interaction.

Jai Jinendra.