In Jainism, puja (upāsana) is about reverence, meditation, and remembrance of the Tirthankaras, sages, and the true nature of the soul. It is not about demanding favors from gods, but about aligning the mind toward right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

Key ideas about Jain puja

• Purpose: to cultivate inner purity, detachment, and spiritual progress; to remind the practitioner of ahimsa (non-violence), truth, and self-discipline.
• Who is revered: primarily the Tirthankaras (omniscient beings who show the path), spiritual liberation heroes (siddhas), and great monks/teachers.
• Forms of practice: prayers (stavan), devotional songs, circumambulation of temples or images (mūrti), meditation, and offerings that express gratitude and renunciation. In many circles, the emphasis is on inner devotion and ethical living rather than external rituals.
• Digambar vs. Shwetambar distinctions:

- Digambar traditions often emphasize ascetic restraint and may place less emphasis on elaborate idol worship, focusing more on meditation and the study of Jain scriptures. - Shwetambar traditions are more likely to include temple puja, ritual offerings, and devotional songs with imagery of the Tirthankaras; while still centering on inner purification.

• Practical note: Jain puja is generally non-appeasement-oriented (not asking for favors) and more about purifying the mind, cultivating right conduct, and expressing gratitude for the path shown by the Tirthankaras.

Recommended starting points in Jainism (conceptual, not a single “magic book”):

• Core texts discuss the right view of worship, devotion, and renunciation within the Jain framework; look for sections on upāsana, stavan, and dharma practice in traditional Jain scriptures and commentaries.
• For devotion in practice, many readers find it helpful to study:

- Stavan (devotional hymns) dedicated to the Tirthankaras and to the liberated souls. - Short, accessible compilations of prāyascitta (confessional prayers) and meditation guidance that align with Jain ethics.

• If you want a structured introduction to Jain worship and practice, look for beginner-friendly Jain handbooks or introductory compendiums that explain puja in the Jain context, with notes on differences between Digambar and Shwetambar practices.

Would you like me to point you to a specific Jain Dharma explanation that covers puja in detail, or provide concise translations and meanings of popular Jain stotras used in puja?