“Pakshaal” means respectfully bathing the idol (Pratimā) of Bhagwan. At home it should be very simple, clean and with full shraddhā.

Below is an easy step‑by‑step way most Jain families follow (both Śvetāmbars and Digambars, with small variations):

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1. Preparation

1. Place for pakshaal

- Use a clean small table / paat / stand. - Spread a clean cloth or plastic tray so that water does not splash everywhere. - Keep a separate bowl/bucket to collect all pakshaal water (don’t let it go into dirty drain if possible).

1. Keep things ready

- Clean cotton cloth for wiping the idol. - Clean water (best: boiled/cooled or filtered). - Small kalash / glass for pouring water. - (Optional, as per family tradition) Milk, Panchāmṛut etc. - Pūjā items: vastra (cloth), chandlo (saffron/chandan), akshat, pushpa, dhoop, deep, etc.

1. Personal cleanliness

- Take bath before pakshaal. - Wear clean clothes (many prefer simple white). - Do it with anupreksha of: “I am bathing the idol with water, but want to bathe my soul with samyak-darshan, samyak-jnān and samyak-chāritra.”

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2. Before starting pakshaal

1. Place the idol

- Gently bring the idol from its usual place to the pakshaal place. - Handle it with both hands and full respect.

1. Namaskār

- Do Navkār Mantra. - Mentally ask forgiveness for any past mistakes in handling the idol.

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3. Doing Pakshaal

Basic water pakshaal (safest and simplest)

1. First pouring

- Slowly pour water from head to feet of the idol. - Do not pour with force; keep stream thin and gentle. - You may recite: - Navkār Mantra - “Uvasaggaharam”, “Logassa”, or any stavan you know.

1. Gently clean

- With very soft, clean cloth or your clean fingers, gently wipe dust from: - Head and face - Shoulders, chest, hands - Lap and feet - Never scratch or rub hard; idol is Bhagwan’s image, not an object.

1. Second pouring

- Again pour plain water to wash away all remaining drops and touch.

If your family uses Panchāmṛut / milk

Follow your own tradition, but a simple order many use:

1. Jal (water) – to clean dust.
2. Milk (if used) – very little, not wasting.
3. Panchāmṛut (milk, curd, ghee, sugar, honey) – if this is your family custom.
4. Finally again a good wash with clean water so no sticky liquid remains on the idol.

Important Jain viewpoint:

• Do not waste milk / food items; use minimal, with feeling of devotion, not as a “show”.
• Don’t mix non‑veg, eggs, etc. anywhere near altar area.
• Be careful that in cleaning, no insects are harmed.

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4. After pakshaal

1. Drying the idol

- Use a separate soft, clean cloth only for Bhagwan, not for daily use. - Gently pat dry, don’t rub. - Check that no water remains in folds or base.

1. Vastra & Shringar (if done at home)

- Some Śvetāmbars: put small vastra / mukhvastra, chandlo, akshat, pushpa. - Many Digambars: keep idol simple, without much shringar; just clean, dry, and place back.

1. Place back on Gadi / Singhasan

- Clean the place where Bhagwan is kept. - Spread fresh cloth if used. - Gently keep the idol facing the right direction (usually east or as per your home setup).

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5. Short pūjā after pakshaal

After pakshaal, you may do:

1. Navkār Mantra (minimum 3 times with full focus).
2. Chaityavandan / Pooja as per your tradition.
3. Sāmāyik feeling: sit quietly at least 2–5 minutes, think:

> “Jal se Bhagwan ki pratima swachh hui, > mujhse mera bhaav, mera dravya, mera charitra pavitra ho.”

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6. Daily practical tips

• Do pakshaal at a fixed time if possible (many do in the morning).
• Keep all pakshaal items separate – don’t use them for normal kitchen or bathroom work.
• Handle idol only when you are clean and mindful, not in hurry or anger.
• If some mistake happens (idol slightly hits somewhere, a drop falls on floor, etc.), immediately do Michchhāmi Dukkadam with true repentance.

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This simple, shraddhā‑full pakshaal at home is enough. The main thing in Jain Dharma is bhāva (inner feelings), not show or quantity of water or milk.