Answer

In Jain Dharma, our primary worship is of:

• Arihant Bhagwan
• Siddha Bhagwan
• Acharya
• Upadhyay
• Sadhu-Sadhvi Bhagwant

This is the Namokar Mantra’s path of worship.

In some derasars, murtis of Ambika Devi / Ambe Mata or other dev-devis may be present. In Jain tradition, such deities are generally understood as shasan dev-devis or protective celestial beings connected with the Jain shasan.

However, they are not worshipped as liberated souls and they are not the ultimate refuge in Jain Dharma.

Explanation

In Jainism, only the Arihant and Siddha are completely free from karma and are worthy of supreme spiritual worship.

Devis and devtas, including Ambika Devi, are still within samsar. They may have celestial powers, but they are not liberated. Therefore, a Jain may respectfully bow to them, but should not consider them equal to Tirthankar Bhagwan.

A common Jain understanding is:

• Tirthankar Bhagwan is worshipped for liberation and right path.
• Shasan dev-devis may be respected as protectors of the Jain shasan.
• We should not ask them for worldly desires in a way that increases attachment.

Spiritual Understanding

If Ambika Devi or another devi-devta murti is present in a derasar, one may offer respectful vandan, but the main bhakti and spiritual surrender should remain toward Jinendra Bhagwan.

The Jain path teaches us to seek:

• Samyak Darshan
• Samyak Gyan
• Samyak Charitra
• Moksha

These cannot be granted by worldly or celestial beings. They are attained through one’s own purification of soul, following the path shown by the Tirthankars.

Takeaway

Yes, Ambika Devi may be respectfully acknowledged where her murti is present, but in Jain Dharma our true and highest prayer is to Arihant and Siddha Bhagwan. Dev-devis are respected, not considered the final refuge or the goal of worship.