In Jain Dharma, “Bhagavan” is used for Arihantas/Tirthankaras (like Bhagavan Mahavira, Bhagavan Rishabhdev). Jainism does not accept a creator or controller God. The highest beings are the Siddhas (liberated souls), and we offer worship to Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus through the Namokar Mantra. Therefore, the Hindu deity “Bhagavan Shiv (Shiva)” is not a central or supreme deity in Jain philosophy.

A few helpful points:

• Meaning of “Bhagavan” in Jainism: a perfectly enlightened Tirthankara (e.g., Mahavira, Rishabhdev), not a creator God.
• Devas (heavenly beings) exist in Jain cosmology, but they are not creators or liberators; they too are bound by karma and saṃsāra until they attain liberation.
• Sometimes people mix up “Adinath (Rishabhdev)” with “Shiva.” In Jainism, Adinath is the first Tirthankara, distinct from the Hindu deity Shiva.

Both Digambar and Shvetambar traditions agree on these core principles: no creator God; reverence is for Tirthankaras and Siddhas as ideals of liberation.

For a simple overview of “God” in Jainism: For who Adinath (Rishabhdev) is in Jain Dharma: