Pristine Jainism : Concept of Godhood in Jainism

Such illogical concept of one creator, controller, destroyer almighty God is not accepted in Jainism. According to Jainism all liberated souls, Arhats and Siddhas on attaining salvation are adorned as Gods and worshipped only because they have shown the world ideal path, prescribed a code of conduct they themselves practised and lived and attained the ultimate goal, the salvation and inherent eternal happiness. Arhats clearly and unequivocally said that neither they nor anyone else can give anything to anyone. It is one's own karmas (actions) good and bad alone that bring pleasures or miseries. One can mitigate the past bad karma by one's own efforts, penance and good deeds, none else can help in this. The idols of Arhats, Tirthankaras are worshipped only as an instrument and object for concentration to reflect, recall and remember their preachings to be followed and practised. We are grateful to them for their benevolence to have shown us the ideal path for salvation. In Jainism it is sinful (Mithyatva) to beg worldly things, wealth, health, successes etc.