Answer

In Jainism, Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, and other Hindu deities are generally understood as devas — celestial beings — but they are not considered supreme creators, liberators, or objects of ultimate refuge.

Jain Dharma gives the highest spiritual reverence to:

• Arihants — enlightened beings who have conquered inner passions
• Siddhas — liberated souls who have attained moksha
• Acharyas
• Upadhyayas
• Sadhus and Sadhvis

These are honored in the Namokar Mantra, the most sacred Jain mantra.

Explanation

Jainism does not accept the idea of one creator God who creates, controls, and destroys the universe. According to Jain philosophy:

• The universe is eternal.
• Every soul is responsible for its own karma.
• Liberation comes through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• No god can remove a soul’s karma or grant moksha by favor.

So, figures like Shiva and Vishnu may be respected as powerful heavenly beings within the wider Indian religious world, but in Jain Dharma they do not occupy the role that they have in Hindu traditions.

In Jain understanding, even devas are still within samsara, the cycle of birth and death. They may have great pleasure, power, and long lives, but they are not liberated unless they destroy karma and attain moksha like any other soul.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches that spiritual greatness is not based on power, miracles, or rulership over the world. True greatness is based on:

• Complete destruction of attachment and hatred
• Perfect knowledge
• Perfect conduct
• Freedom from karma
• Attainment of moksha

That is why Jains worship the Tirthankars and liberated souls — not because they create the world, but because they show the path to liberation.

Takeaway

In Jainism, Shiva and Vishnu may be regarded as devas or respected religious figures, but they are not supreme gods. Jain worship is centered on the Jinas — those who conquered themselves and showed the path to moksha.