What is the status of rahu and ketu in jainism. Are they devas, or devils or they do not exist or something else
Answer
In Jainism, Rāhu and Ketu are not considered “devils” in the sense of evil beings opposed to God. Jainism does not have the same concept of a devil as some other religions.
In traditional Jain cosmology, Rāhu and Ketu are understood as celestial beings connected with the heavenly realm, often associated with eclipses and planetary influence in the wider Indian cosmological framework. They are closer to the category of devas than “devils,” but they are not liberated souls and are not objects of ultimate refuge.
Explanation
Jain Dharma teaches that living beings exist in four main states of existence:
- Deva – heavenly beings
- Manushya – human beings
- Tiryanch – animals, plants, and other non-human earthly beings
- Nāraki – hellish beings
Devas in Jainism are still worldly souls. They may have great power, beauty, long life, and subtle bodies, but they are still bound by karma. They are not perfect, eternal, or omnipotent.
So if Rāhu and Ketu are mentioned within Jain cosmological or astrological contexts, they should be understood as worldly celestial beings or planetary entities, not as supreme beings and not as eternal enemies of righteousness.
Important Jain View
Jainism does not teach that planets or celestial beings control the soul’s liberation. The real cause of bondage and suffering is one’s own karma, caused by passions such as anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, and aversion.
Therefore:
- Rāhu and Ketu are not creators.
- They are not supreme powers.
- They are not devils.
- They are not liberated beings.
- They are part of the worldly universe if accepted in Jain cosmology.
Spiritual Understanding
From a Jain spiritual perspective, one should not live in fear of Rāhu, Ketu, planets, omens, or astrological forces. The Jain path emphasizes:
- Right Faith
- Right Knowledge
- Right Conduct
- Ahimsa
- Self-discipline
- Karma purification
Even devas are not worthy of ultimate surrender. The true objects of reverence are the Arihantas, Siddhas, Āchāryas, Upādhyāyas, and Sādhus, as expressed in the Namokar Mantra.
Takeaway
In Jainism, Rāhu and Ketu are best understood as worldly celestial beings or planetary entities, not devils and not supreme divine powers. They may belong to the realm of devas in cosmological understanding, but they are still bound souls and have no power over liberation, which depends on one’s own karma and spiritual effort.