So according to tirthankaras, a person can be spirituallyliberated even without going to temple
Yes. According to Jain Tirthankars and scriptures, liberation (moksha) does not depend on going to a temple.
What actually leads to moksha in Jainism
Tirthankars have shown that moksha comes only through:- Samyak Darshan – right faith
- Samyak Jnan – right knowledge
- Samyak Charitra – right conduct (including vows, ahimsa, aparigraha, etc.)
If these three are perfected and all karmas are destroyed, the soul becomes liberated. This can happen without ever entering a physical temple building.
Then what is the role of temple and puja?
Temple, idols, puja, tirth-yatra etc. are:- Helpers (upay) on the path – they create bhakti, detachment, and right attitude
- Places that remind us of Tirthankars’ qualities and inspire us to follow their path
- Opportunities to do samvar–nirjara (stop new karma, shed old karma) through devotion, vows, and discipline ( jainknowledge.com)
But the temple itself does not “give” moksha. Only inner purification of the soul does.
Example from Jain tradition
- Many souls attained moksha as munis in forests, mountains, caves, not in constructed temples.
- Even Tirthankars themselves attained kevaljnan and moksha in the open (under trees, on mountains), not in marble temples.
Balanced understanding
- One can be spiritually progressing and finally liberated without going to a temple, if they have true samyak darshan, follow vows, remove passions, and do real sadhana.
- Still, Tirthankars and Acharyas encourage temple, puja, svadhyaya, samayik because most of us need such supports to keep the mind on dharma and away from vices.
So: Temple is a powerful aid, not a compulsory condition. Moksha depends on your inner state (bhav), not the building you stand in.