Supreme Divinity

Panch Parmesthi

पंच परमेष्ठी

In Jainism, we do not worship a creator God. We worship the Panch Parmesthi—the five types of supreme souls who have conquered their inner enemies and attained the highest state of spiritual purity.

Who is a Parmeshthi?

A soul that resides in the Supreme State (Param Padh) is called a Parmeshthi. Collectively, they represent the path to liberation. The Namokar Mantra is dedicated entirely to bowing to these five entities.

1. Arihant

(The Destroyers of Enemies)

Souls who have destroyed the four Ghati Karmas (destructive actions) and attained Omniscience. They possess the most glorious body (Param Audarik Sharir) and preach the path of Moksha.

46 Mulgun (Virtues)

2. Siddha

(The Liberated Souls)

Souls who have destroyed all eight Karmas. They are bodiless, formless, and free from the cycle of birth and death. They reside eternally at the top of the universe (Siddhashila).

8 Mulgun (Virtues)

3. Acharya

(The Spiritual Leaders)

The heads of the monastic order (Sangha). They give Diksha (initiation) to disciples, practice the five great vows themselves, and inspire others to follow them.

36 Mulgun (Virtues)

4. Upadhyaya

(The Preceptors)

Those who have acquired profound knowledge of the Jain Scriptures (Agams). Their primary duty is to study and teach the scriptures to other monks and nuns.

25 Mulgun (Virtues)

5. Sadhu

(The Ascetics)

Monks who have renounced worldly attachments, business, and passions. They walk the path of liberation (Moksha Marg) and follow the 28 essential qualities.

28 Mulgun (Virtues)
Total Virtues (Attributes) = 108

Parmeshthi FAQs

Common questions from seekers.

It is the mantra that offers salutations to the Panch Parmesthi (Five Supreme Beings). It destroys all sins and is the most auspicious of all mantras. It does not ask for material wealth but pays homage to spiritual virtues.

Yes. Jainism teaches that every soul has the potential to become a Parmeshthi. Any soul that performs the same great spiritual efforts (Tapasya) and destroys its Karma can attain this supreme state.

  • Arihant & Siddha: They do not eat. They have transcended the need for food.
  • Acharya, Upadhyaya & Sadhu: They take pure, vegetarian food (Ahara) once a day, standing up, using only their hands (Kar-Patra), and only if it is free from the 46 faults of alms-seeking.

Arihantas are living beings who have destroyed 4 Karmas and attained Omniscience but still have a body. Siddhas have destroyed all 8 Karmas, have left the body, and are fully liberated souls residing in Moksha.