Answer

Mallinath Bhagwan is understood differently in the two main Jain traditions:

• Śvetāmbara tradition: Mallinath Bhagwan, the 19th Tirthankar, is accepted as female.
• Digambara tradition: Mallinath Bhagwan is accepted as male.

Explanation

Both traditions respectfully worship Mallinath Bhagwan as the 19th Tirthankar. The difference is only about the gender in the life-story tradition.

In the Śvetāmbara tradition, Mallinath Bhagwan is also known as Mallibai or Malli Devi. In the Digambara tradition, all Tirthankars of this time-cycle are regarded as male.

Takeaway

Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara Jains revere Mallinath Bhagwan as a fully liberated Tirthankar. The difference in gender belief is a traditional sectarian difference, explained respectfully within Jain Dharma.