In Jainism, "devas" are celestial beings or heavenly beings who reside in the higher realms of existence. According to Jain cosmology, there are several levels of existence (lokas): hellish beings (naraki), tiryanch (animals and plants), humans (manushya), and celestial beings (devas). Devas enjoy great happiness, beauty, and powers, but they are still bound by karma and are not liberated.

Devas are not considered as gods to be worshipped or as creators or controllers of the universe in Jainism. Jain philosophy teaches that devas, like all beings, are subject to the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and are not eternal or omnipotent. Liberation (moksha) is possible only through self-effort and right conduct, not through the grace or intervention of devas.

There are different categories of devas, such as:

• Vyantaras (intermediary celestial beings)
• Bhavanapatis (residential celestial beings)
• Jyotishkas (stellar or heavenly bodies)
• Vaimanikas (higher heavenly beings)

Worship and respect in Jainism are directed towards the Tirthankaras (liberated souls who have shown the path to liberation), not to devas. Devas may, however, pay homage to the Tirthankaras and assist in religious activities, but they are not considered objects of ultimate refuge or worship.