Answer

In Jain Dharma, lighting a diya on Diwali is done as a symbol of knowledge, purity, and reverence for Bhagwan Mahavir’s Nirvana. However, your concern is valid: if lighting a diya causes harm to living beings, then a Jain should be careful and minimize that harm as much as possible.

In Digambar Terapanth tradition, the diya is not worshipped as God. It is offered respectfully in front of Bhagwan as a symbol of inner light: the light of Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, and Samyak Charitra.

Explanation

Diwali in Jain Dharma is connected with Bhagwan Mahavir attaining Nirvana at Pavapuri. Traditionally, people lit lamps because the “light of omniscience” had departed from the world in bodily form, and the lamp became a symbol of spiritual illumination.

But Jain Dharma also teaches:

• Ahimsa is the highest dharma.
• Every action should be done with awareness and care.
• Ritual should never become more important than compassion and self-restraint.

So, if a diya attracts insects or causes burning of tiny beings, then one should take precautions:

• Light fewer diyas instead of many.
• Keep the diya in a clean, protected place.
• Avoid lighting it where many insects are present.
• Do not leave the flame unattended for long.
• Focus more on bhakti, swadhyay, samayik, pratikraman, and remembering Bhagwan Mahavir’s Nirvana.

Spiritual Understanding

The true Jain Diwali is not about outer decoration, but about awakening the inner lamp of the soul.

The diya reminds us:

• To remove darkness of ignorance.
• To follow the path shown by Tirthankar Bhagwan.
• To practice ahimsa, aparigraha, and self-purification.

If the outer diya is lit with care and minimum harm, it can be a devotional symbol. But if it leads to unnecessary himsa, then reducing or avoiding it is more aligned with Jain principles.

Takeaway

Lighting a diya on Diwali is a symbolic devotional practice, but for a Jain, ahimsa comes first. The most important diya is the inner light of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.