Ashtprakari pooja doha

Here are the Ashtha Prakari Puja (Ashta Prakari Puja) dohe (couplets) as commonly recited for the eight offerings to the Tirthankar. Each doha corresponds to one of the eight dravyas and is followed by a brief Jain interpretation.

1) Jal Puja (Water) जला पूजा के दोहे: “jala pUjA jugate karo, mela anAdi vinAza. ... jala puja phala muja hojo, mago ema prabhu pAsa...” Meaning (arth): Water is offered to remind us to cleanse our soul of karmic impurities and to live with equanimity, so that impurities are washed away and we can progress toward liberation.

2) Chandan Puja (Sandalwood) Chandan के दोहे: “ka. caMdana pUjA kA dohA” ... “pujo ariha anga” Meaning (arth): Sandalwood signifies coolness and serene knowledge. By venerating the Tirthankar with chandan, we seek true knowledge and a calm mind.

3) Pushpa Puja (Flower) Phool (Pushpa) के दोखे: “puSpa pUjA kA dohA 3. Couplets of worship with flowers ... pujo gata santapa.” Meaning (arth): Flowers symbolize conduct and beauty of character. Offering flowers reminds us to cultivate virtuous behavior and reduce inner sorrow.

4) Dhoop Puja (Incense) Dhoop के दोहे: “dhUpA kA dohA ... dhUpa” Meaning ( arth): Incense purifies the space and mind, helping to dispel false notions and awaken awareness of one’s true nature.

5) Dipak Puja (Lamp) Dipak के दोहे: “DhyAna ghata pragataviye …” Meaning (arth): The lamp stands for pure consciousness. By offering light, we aspire to illumination of the self and progress toward Siddha (liberation).

6) Akashat Puja (Rice) Akashat के दोहे: “nava anga jnanda pijo bahuviha …” (nav-ang) Meaning (arth): Rice as a non-decaying form of sustenance symbolizes stability and non-attachment; it inspires steady practice and right conduct.

7) Naivedhya Puja (Sweet food) Naivedhya के दोहे: “surabhi akhanda kusuma grahi …” (phal) Meaning (arth): Sweet offerings remind us to enjoy simple pleasures with restraint and to cultivate contentment, avoiding craving.

8) Phal Puja (Fruit) Phal के दोहे: “phal puja … gata santapa” Meaning (arth): Fruit represents the fruit of liberation. By offering it, we reaffirm dedication to the path and letting go of worldly cravings.

Notes on tradition

• The exact wording of the dohe and their phrasing can vary between Digambar and Śvetāmbar traditions, as well as by local derasar practice. The core idea remains: each offering symbolizes a Jain virtue, and reciting the dohe helps focus the mind on right faith and conduct.
• Some centers also include additional tools (like chamara, darpan, pankh) or substitute fresh flowers with symbolic or fallen flowers to minimize harm (himsa).

If you’d like, I can provide the original Sanskrit/Prakrit verses for a specific tradition (Digambar or Śvetāmbara) or point to a JainKnowledge page that describes Ashta Prakari Puja in detail. You can read more here