What do we chant during pooja

Here’s a simple guide to what is commonly chanted during Jain puja (pooja):

• Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra): This is the most central chant in Jain worship. It venerates the Arihants, Siddhas, and other revered beings without praising any personal form. A typical version is:

Namo Arihantānāṁ Namo Siddhānāṁ Namo Āyariyāṇāṁ Namo Uvājjhāyāṇāṁ Namo Loë Savva-sahūnām This mantra is recited at the beginning of many pujas and daily rites.

• Praises of the Tirthankaras and other worthy beings: After Navkar, devotees often chant short stutis or stotras that praise the virtues of the Tirthankaras (Jinas) and great sages. These are chosen from Jain scriptures and prayer books and vary by tradition.

• Mangalacharan (auspicious verses): A short benedictory verse to begin the worship, invoking auspiciousness and the well-being of all beings. Different communities have their own preferred mangal or stuti.

• Additional verses or stotras (optional): Depending on the tradition (Digambar or Shwetambar) and the occasion, some use other prayers or bhajans that honor Jain teachers, the five-chief principles, or ask for compassion, non-violence, and right conduct.

Tradition-specific notes:

• Shwetambar and Digambar communities may have slight differences in the exact prayers used, the order, and which stotras are preferred for a given puja. The core is still respect for the Jinas and the upliftment of ethical conduct (ahiṃsā, truth, non-attachment, etc.).
• In many homes and temples, puja begins with Navkar Mantra, followed by a short Mangalacharan, then offerings and meditation.

If you’d like, I can provide exact text for the Navkar Mantra and a couple of common Mangalacharan verses, or point you to Jain scriptures that contain verified chants.