We do Aṣṭaprakārī Pooja mainly for our own inner purification, not to “please” Bhagwan or get worldly benefits.

Very simply:

• “Aṣṭa” = eight, “prakārī” = types.

It is the 8‑dravyā (substances) pūjā offered to Tirthankar Bhagwan.

The 8 dravyas and their purpose:

1. Jal (water) –

To purify ourself. We remember: “Let my thoughts, speech, and actions become clean and honest.”

1. Chandan (sandalwood) –

Coolness and peace. We pray for shānt (calm), clear right knowledge.

1. Pushpa (flower) –

Fragrant, soft, yet temporary. It teaches good, gentle conduct and non‑attachment, because beauty and life are both short.

1. Dhoop (incense) –

Its fragrance spreads quietly like sadhu‑dharma (life of restraint). We remember renunciation and helping others without show.

1. Deepak (lamp) –

Light stands for jñān and chetana (knowledge and pure consciousness). We wish to remove inner darkness (ignorance, anger, greed) and walk towards moksha.

1. Akshat (unbroken rice) –

“Akshat” = that which does not break. Symbol of a final, unbroken, last birth. We pray that this life becomes a step towards ending the cycle of birth and death.

1. Naivedya (sweet food) –

Reminds us of control over tongue and senses. Real sweetness should be in our charitra (conduct), not only in food.

1. Phal (fruit) –

Symbol of true “fruit” of life = moksha, not money, fame, or comfort. We offer fruit to say: “I do not want worldly fruits, I want only spiritual fruit – liberation.”

So, why do we do Ashtaprakari Pooja?

• To remember the gunas (virtues) of Tirthankar Bhagwan.
• To slowly change our own bhāva – become more pure, peaceful, non‑violent, detached.
• To support nirjarā (shedding of karma) through right faith, right knowledge and right conduct, which this pūjā constantly reminds us of.
• To keep our daily link with the temple and Jain path, especially for householders.

Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions may differ in exact method, mantras, and order, but:

• The eight dravyas and their inner meanings are essentially the same.
• Both agree that Bhagwan does not need anything; pūjā is for our own spiritual progress.

You can read more about Ashtaprakari Pooja and its meanings here