People go to derasar (Jain temple) mainly for atma‑shuddhi – purification and upliftment of the soul. In simple words, these are the main reasons:

1. To do darshan of Tirthankar Bhagwan

- By seeing and bowing to the idols of Arihant/Tirthankar with respect, we reduce ego and increase samyak shraddha (right faith).

1. To pray and recite sutras/mantras

- Navkar Mantra, stavans, and other sutras are recited to remember the qualities of Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya and Sadhus. - This turns the mind away from worldly thoughts towards dharma.

1. For puja, abhishek and aarti

- These kriyas are external ways to express inner bhakti. - While doing them with right understanding, we try to develop qualities like purity, humility, non‑attachment.

1. To do samayik, pratikraman and dhyan

- Derasar is a peaceful place, away from distractions. - It helps in sitting quietly, doing pratikraman for our faults, and practising meditation.

1. To strengthen good sanskars in children and family

- Going regularly to derasar keeps the family connected to Jain values – ahimsa, satya, aparigraha, brahmacharya. - Children learn by seeing elders doing namaskar, puja, listening to pravachans etc.

1. To listen to updesh/pravachan

- If sadhus/sadhvijis or scholars are present, we get a chance to listen to Jain agams and tattva‑gyaan, which guides our life.

1. To serve and do punya‑karmas

- Cleaning derasar, helping in arrangements, dana, etc. create punya and reduce self‑centeredness.

1. To remember the goal of moksha

- In daily life we forget that the real goal is liberation. - Derasar reminds us of the path of Tirthankars: samyak darshan, gyaan and charitra.

Both Shwetambar and Digambar traditions fully respect the derasar as a place of sadhana (spiritual practice). Ritual style may differ, but basic purpose is same – progress of the soul.

If you want to see what to do step‑by‑step inside a derasar, you can read more here: