Answer

In Jain Dharma, the issue is not about disrespecting Mahadev. Jainism teaches respect for all souls. The main point is who is spiritually liberated and therefore the highest refuge.

A Jain’s complete spiritual faith is placed in the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyays, and Sadhus — the Panch Parmesthi — because they show the path to liberation from karma.

If someone learns good values like non-violence, self-control, detachment, and compassion from stories or teachings connected with Mahadev, that is not the problem. But fully accepting Mahadev as the supreme spiritual refuge does not align with Jain philosophy.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma:

• Arihants are perfected beings who have destroyed destructive karmas and teach the path of moksha.
• Siddhas are liberated souls who have completely ended birth, death, and karma.
• Devas, including powerful heavenly beings, are still within samsar unless they are liberated souls.

Jainism does recognize heavenly beings and gods, but they are not considered creators, controllers of karma, or givers of moksha. They may be powerful, but they are still bound by karma if they are not Siddhas.

So from a Jain view, the concern is:

• Are you respecting Mahadev as a spiritually inspiring being?
• Or are you believing he is the supreme creator, controller, and final giver of liberation?

The first may be understood as respect. The second conflicts with Jain siddhant.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches that liberation comes through:

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

Right faith means understanding the true nature of soul, karma, bondage, and liberation. If a person believes that another divine being will remove karma or grant moksha, then their understanding may move away from Jain tattva.

A Jain can respect many great beings, but their ultimate spiritual refuge remains:

Namo Arihantanam
Namo Siddhanam
Namo Ayariyanam
Namo Uvajjhayanam
Namo Loe Savva Sahunam

Takeaway

There is no issue in respecting Mahadev or learning noble qualities. But for a Jain, complete spiritual surrender belongs to the liberated and liberation-guiding beings of Jain Dharma — the Panch Parmesthi. Respect can be broad, but ultimate refuge should remain in the path of moksha taught by the Jinas.