Short answer: Jain principles themselves do not forbid using flowers in worship, but they place emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and reverence for all life. The use or avoidance of flowers is a matter of tradition and sect-specific practice, not a core Jain doctrine.

Key points to understand:

• Ahimsa and living beings: Jains strive not to harm any living being. Flowers are plant life, which many Jains consider permissible to offer because flowers are not sentient like animals. However, some practitioners try to minimize harm to small organisms when handling flowers.
• Symbolism and devotion: In many Jain temples, flowers are offered as a sign of respect, beauty, and renunciation. The fragrance and color are seen as ways to honor the Tirthankaras and to uplift the mood of worship.
• Differences among sects:

- Śvetāmbara and Digambara communities both have a broad tradition of flower offerings, but the emphasis and ritual details can vary by region and community. - Within Jain groups, some individuals or sub-traditions prefer simple, non-flower offerings (like lamp, water, or cloth) or avoid fresh flowers due to local customs or interpretive emphasis on minimal harm.

• Deravasi context: If you’re referring to a particular Deravasi practice, note that Jain groups sometimes adapt rituals to local culture. The core Jain aim remains non-violence, truth, and spiritual upliftment; flower offerings are a devotional aid rather than a doctrinal requirement.

What this means for you:

• There isn’t a universal ban on flowers in Jainism. Whether flowers are used depends on the specific temple, community, and tradition you follow.
• If you’re concerned about a particular practice, it’s best to ask a local Jain temple priest or a knowledgeable practitioner from that community for the exact custom they observe.

If you’d like, tell me which specific Deravasi or temple tradition you’re asking about, and I can explain its practice in more precise terms.