shasanadevata

Jainist deities

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July 15, 2026

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In Jainism, shasanadevata refers to "doctrine goddesses" associated with the Tirthankaras, or saviors who have achieved liberation and paved the way for others. These goddesses, such as Ambika who is linked to Arishtanemi, are venerated by Jain devotees for aid in worldly matters. While Tirthankaras are revered as examples of virtue and renunciation, they are not worshipped as personal deities who can intervene in human affairs. The practice of associating these goddesses with Tirthankara images began around the 9th century CE.123

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Jainism
Image veneration
…associating one of the 24 shasanadevatas (“doctrine goddesses”) with images of individual Tirthankaras began in the 9th century. Some of these goddesses, such as Ambika (“Little Mother”), who is associated with the Tirthankara Arishtanemi, continue to have great importance for the Jain devotee. The images are generally located near the…
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…associating one of the 24 shasanadevatas (“doctrine goddesses”) with images of individual Tirthankaras began in the 9th century. Some of these goddesses, such as Ambika (“Little Mother”), who is associated with the Tirthankara Arishtanemi, continue to have great importance for the Jain devotee. The images are generally located near the…
Read More