Murti (images/idols) in Jainism are used as thoughtful reminders and focal points, not as objects of worship for gods.

• Why we use murti

- They symbolize the ideal qualities of a Tirthankara or a revered teacher (like auspicious conduct, non-violence, truth, renunciation). - They help us fix our attention during meditation and prayers, making it easier to reflect on virtuous behavior. - They serve as concrete reminders of dharma — the path to liberation — so we don’t forget the timeless teachings in daily life.

• What we actually worship

- In Jain practice, the reverence shown to a murti is for the ideal person it represents, not for the stone or image itself. The murti is a reminder of the Tirthankara’s traits and the goal of self-purification. - The ultimate aim is inner purification, right conduct, and detachment from violence and passion.

• Digambar vs. Shwetambar note

- Both traditions use murti as aids to remembrance and practice. The forms and styles of idols can differ between sects or temples, but the underlying purpose remains the same: to inspire and remind us of the Jain path.

• A simple guiding principle

- Do not mistake the murti for the divine being itself. The reverence is for the virtues and the teaching it embodies, which leads us toward liberation.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise sutra or stanza from Jain texts that talks about this reverence and its proper understanding.