Answer

Yes, many Jains do Lakshmi Pujan on Diwali in their shops, but it should be done with the right understanding.

In Jain Dharma, Diwali is primarily connected with Bhagwan Mahavir’s Nirvana. Therefore, the main spiritual focus should be:

• Remembering Bhagwan Mahavir
• Doing devotion, samayik, pratikraman, swadhyay, and meditation
• Strengthening detachment, non-violence, and right faith

Lakshmi Pujan becomes problematic if a person believes that wealth itself is the ultimate refuge, or if one worships Lakshmi with attachment, greed, or belief that worldly prosperity is the highest goal.

Explanation

In Jainism, the root issue is not simply the external act, but the bhaav — inner belief and intention.

If Lakshmi Pujan is done as a cultural or business tradition with the thought:

• “May our earnings be honest.”
• “May wealth be used for dharma, charity, and good conduct.”
• “Real refuge is Arihant, Siddha, Sadhu, and Dharma.”

then it is generally understood as a worldly custom, not necessarily mithyatva.

But if someone believes:

• “Lakshmi is my supreme savior.”
• “Wealth will give true happiness.”
• “Worldly prosperity is greater than moksha-marg.”

then such belief can support mithyatva, because it goes against samyag darshan.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches that wealth is temporary. It is part of worldly life and karmic circumstances. It can be used properly, but it should not become an object of attachment.

For a Jain shopkeeper, a spiritually healthier Diwali practice would be:

• First do devotion of Bhagwan Mahavir and remember His Nirvana.
• Do puja of Jinendra Bhagwan, recite Navkar Mantra, or do samayik.
• Open new account books with auspicious remembrance of Arihant and Siddha.
• Pray that business remains honest, non-violent, ethical, and dharmic.
• If Lakshmi Pujan is done due to family tradition, keep it secondary and with non-attachment.

Takeaway

Lakshmi Pujan in a shop is not automatically mithya, but wrong belief, attachment, greed, and treating worldly wealth as supreme can become spiritually harmful.

For Jains, Diwali should remain centered on Bhagwan Mahavir’s Nirvana, samyag darshan, dharma, and inner light, not merely wealth.