In Jainism, Mahadeva (great gods) are a class of celestial beings (devas) who live in the upper heavens. They are powerful and long‑lived, but they are still part of samsar (the cycle of birth and death) and are bound by karma. They are not creators, and they do not grant liberation. Their role is to enjoy the fruits of their own karma and to assist or bless humans and monks, but they themselves take rebirth as dictated by karma.

Key points:

• Mahadevas are among the many deva realms in Jain cosmology, not the supreme beings or the creators of the universe.
• They can be objects of reverence and offerings in Jain temples and rituals, but devotion to them is not aimed at moksha; liberation comes through the path taught by the Tirthankaras (Arhants) and perfected souls.
• There isn’t a single “Mahadeva” in Jainism; the term refers to many great gods who hold various ranks and duties in the Jain cosmos.
• Differences: Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions may emphasize different aspects of celestial beings and their roles, but both share the view that liberation is through right faith, knowledge, and conduct, not through worship of deities.

If you’d like, I can share a short, authentic Jain verse or explanation from Digambara or Śvetāmbara sources to illustrate how Mahadevas are described in Jain scripture.