In Jain Dharma, “gods” (deva) are of two kinds:

• Supreme beings we truly revere: Arihanta (living Tirthankaras) and Siddha (liberated souls).
• Celestial devas who live in heavenly realms; they are powerful but not liberated. Their stories teach humility, devotion, and protection of the dharma.

Below is a simple, authentic overview with short story notes.

1) Stories of the 24 Tirthankaras (Arihantas)

• All Tirthankaras share a sacred life-pattern: five kalyanaks (conception, birth, renunciation, omniscience, liberation). Their stories teach ahimsa, aparigraha, samyaktva, tapas, and kshama.
• Adinath (Rishabhdev): First Tirthankara; establishes social order and spiritual path; accepts sugarcane juice from Shreyans as the first ahar after long austerity.
• Parshvanath: Compassion saves serpents; later protected by Dharanendra and Padmavati during a storm while in meditation.
• Mahavir: Perfect example of non‑violence and equanimity; famed episodes include Chandkaushik the serpent, Chandanbala’s devotion, and nirvana at Pawapuri.

Note on traditions:

• Both Digambar and Shwetambar agree on the core life-events and virtues of the Tirthankaras. Narrative details (names, places, sequence) may vary in different texts or commentarial traditions, but the spiritual essence remains the same.

2) Shasan Dev–Devi (Yaksha–Yakshini) associated with Tirthankaras

• Chakreshwari Devi (of Adinath): Symbolizes protection of dharma and victory over inner enemies.
• Ambika Devi (of Neminath): Emblem of maternal care guiding beings toward right faith.
• Padmavati and Dharanendra (of Parshvanath): Protect the meditating Lord; their story illustrates the power of compassion across births.

• Both sects accept Yaksha–Yakshini as guardian deities; emphasis and modes of worship differ. Digambar tradition generally places stronger focus on inner worship of Arihanta/Siddha; Shwetambar tradition commonly includes guardian shrines alongside the principal Jina image. In all cases, the Jina is the primary object of reverence.

3) Devas in Jain cosmology (not liberated)

• Bhavanpati, Vyantara, Jyotish, Vaimanik: Four broad classes of celestial beings. They often appear in narratives to honor a Tirthankara’s kalyanaks, protect monks, or inspire lay devotion. Their stories remind us that even heavenly life is transient; only right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct lead to moksha.

4) Indra (Shakra) and other heavenly kings

• Indra is frequently shown celebrating a Tirthankara’s birth (janma‑kalyanak), performing the abhishek, and attending samavasaran. These episodes teach that all beings, including devas, revere the Jina and the path of liberation.

5) A few classic Jain story motifs that convey core virtues

• Ahimsa stronger than fear: The serpent Chandkaushik pacified by Mahavir’s compassion.
• Protection of the meditating Jina: Dharanendra–Padmavati sheltering Parshvanath.
• First alms and right giving: Shreyans offering ahar to Rishabhdev.

How to use these stories

• Read them as mirrors for your own sadhana: practice of ahimsa, aparigraha, forgiveness, equanimity, and devotion to the Jina.
• Remember: celestial powers are secondary; the highest “Godhood” in Jainism is the state of the Siddha—pure, omniscient, free from karma.

For simple, devotional retellings, you can start here:

• Adinath:
• Parshvanath and Padmavati:
• Mahavir episodes:

May these sacred narratives strengthen right faith and inspire the path toward liberation.