Answer

In Jain Dharma, sincere faith should never be forced. But it is important to understand that Bhagwan Mahavira is accepted in Jain tradition as the 24th Tirthankar of the present time-cycle, and Bhagwan Pārśvanath is accepted as the 23rd Tirthankar.

Being devoted to Bhagwan Pārśvanath does not require disrespect toward Bhagwan Mahavira. In Jain Dharma, reverence toward all Tirthankars is part of right spiritual understanding.

Explanation

A Tirthankar is not worshipped as a creator-god, but as a perfected soul who has attained keval-jñān, destroyed karmas, and shown the path of liberation.

So honoring Bhagwan Mahavira does not mean abandoning devotion to Bhagwan Pārśvanath. Rather:

• Bhagwan Pārśvanath taught the path of restraint, compassion, and liberation.
• Bhagwan Mahavira reaffirmed and fully organized the Jain path for the present era.
• Both are revered as Vītarāg — free from attachment and hatred.

In Jain Dharma, disrespect toward any Tirthankar is spiritually harmful because it strengthens pride, aversion, and mithyātva.

Spiritual Understanding

Devotion in Jainism is not blind worship. It is humility before the qualities of the liberated ones:

• omniscience
• perfect conduct
• non-attachment
• compassionate teaching
• freedom from anger, ego, deceit, and greed

If your heart is deeply connected to Bhagwan Pārśvanath, that devotion can be spiritually beautiful. But that devotion should lead to more humility, not rejection or hostility toward another Tirthankar.

Takeaway

You may feel special devotion to Bhagwan Pārśvanath, but in Jain Dharma, it is proper to maintain respect for Bhagwan Mahavira and all Tirthankars. True Jain faith grows through humility, non-aversion, and reverence for the Vītarāg.