But Krishna is God
Answer
In Jain Dharma, Krishna is not considered the supreme God or creator of the universe.
Jain tradition respectfully recognizes Shri Krishna as a great and powerful historical-spiritual personality, but not as Ishwar in the sense of a creator God.
Explanation
Jain Dharma 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 independent.
- A soul becomes divine through complete purification.
- The highest beings are Siddhas — liberated souls free from karma.
In Jain tradition, Krishna is described as one of the great Vasudevas, a powerful heroic personality connected with Jain universal history. He is highly respected, but he is still a worldly soul, not a liberated Siddha at that stage.
Spiritual Understanding
Jain Dharma teaches that divinity is not based on creating the world, but on destroying inner passions such as anger, ego, deceit, and greed.
Arihants and Siddhas are worshipped because they have conquered karma and attained perfect knowledge, perfect perception, and liberation.
Takeaway
From the Jain viewpoint, Krishna is greatly respected, but he is not regarded as the supreme God. Jain Dharma worships liberated souls — Arihants and Siddhas — as the highest ideal.