Answer

In Jain Dharma, the highest spiritual ideal is the Tirthankar / Arihant / Siddha, because they have conquered attachment, aversion, karma, and the cycle of birth and death.

So, if a Jain becomes more attached to Mahadev than to Tirthankars, it is not considered the ideal Jain spiritual direction.

However, Jain Dharma also teaches respectfulness and non-hatred. One should not insult or disrespect any deity or anyone’s faith. But for a Jain’s own spiritual path, devotion should remain centered on:

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

These are the Panch Parmesthi.

Explanation

In Jainism, devotion is not based on worldly power, blessings, fear, or miracles. Jain devotion is based on the qualities of the liberated and enlightened beings.

Tirthankars are worshipped because they show the path to liberation. They are free from:

• Rag — attachment
• Dvesh — hatred
• Karma bondage
• Worldly desires

Mahadev is respected by many people in Indian religious culture, but in Jain understanding, a Jain should not place any worldly deity above the Arihant and Siddha.

Also, the word “attached” is important. Jain Dharma teaches that even attachment to good things should gradually become pure reverence, not emotional dependency. True bhakti should lead to detachment, humility, right faith, and self-purification.

Spiritual Understanding

A Jain may respectfully acknowledge Mahadev, but the inner refuge should be in the Jinendra Bhagwan and the path of:

• Samyak Darshan — right faith
• Samyak Gyan — right knowledge
• Samyak Charitra — right conduct

If devotion to Mahadev increases virtues like compassion, discipline, and purity, those qualities are good. But if it weakens faith in Tirthankars or shifts one away from Jain principles, then spiritually it becomes a concern.

Takeaway

Respecting Mahadev is okay, but for a Jain, the supreme spiritual refuge should be Tirthankar Bhagwan, Arihant, and Siddha. Jain devotion should lead toward liberation, not deeper worldly attachment.