Heavenly Beings
Jainism describes existence of śāsanadevatās and śāsanadevīs, the attendant Gods and Goddesses of Tīrthankaras, who create the samavasarana or the divine preaching assembly of a Tīrthankara. Such heavenly beings are classified as:-
- Bhavanpatis – Gods dwelling in abodes
- Vyantaras – Intermediary gods
- Jyotiskas – Luminaries
- Vaimānikas – Astral gods
The souls on account of accumulation of meritorious karmas reincarnate in heavens as demi-gods. Although their life span is quite long, after their merit karmas are exhausted, they once again have to reincarnate back into the realms of humans, animals or hells depending on their karmas. As these Gods themselves are not liberated, they have attachments and passions and hence not worthy of worship. Ācārya Hemacandra decries the worship of such Gods –
| “ | These Gods tainted with attachment and passion;
having women and weapons by their side, favour some and disfavour some; such Gods should not be worshipped by those who desire emancipation” |
” |
Worship of such gods is considered as mithyātva or wrong belief leading to bondage of karmas. However, many Jains are known to worship to such gods for material gains.
Read more about this topic: God In Jainism
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