18 Abhisheks in english
Here are the 18 Abhisheks (Aṣṭādaś Abhiṣek) with simple English meanings, as used in Jain poojan for the Jina idol (mainly Śvetāmbara tradition):
- Suvarna Churna Snatra
Bath with water mixed with gold powder (golden ablution).
- Pancharatna Churna Snatra
Bath with water mixed with powders of five gems – gold, silver, pearl, ruby, coral.
- Kaṣhāya Churna Snatra
Bath with water mixed with astringent herbal powders.
- Maṅgala Mṛttikā Snatra
Bath with water mixed with auspicious sacred earth from pure holy places.
- Padmamrita Snatra (Panchamrut / Panchagavya)
Bath with five nectars, usually from cow products (milk, curd, ghee, etc.) or milk‑curd‑ghee‑sugar‑honey.
- Śatamūlikā Snatra
Bath with water mixed with many medicinal roots (traditionally 100 or 21 roots).
- Kuṣṭhādi Prathama Aṣṭaka‑Varga Snatra
Bath with water mixed with the first group of eight specific herbs.
- Patañjaryādi Dvitīya Aṣṭaka‑Varga Snatra
Bath with water mixed with the second group of eight specific herbs.
- Sauṣadhi Snatra
Bath with water mixed with various medicinal herbs.
- Sugandh‑Auṣadhi Sahasramūlikā Sarvauṣadhi Snatra
Bath with water mixed with fragrant herbs, many roots and all kinds of healing herbs.
- Puṣhpa Snatra
Bath with water mixed with fragrant flower petals.
- Gandha Snatra
Bath with water mixed with fragrant substances like sandalwood, saffron, musk, etc.
- Vāsa Snatra
Bath with water mixed with aromatic woods (fragrant wood powders).
- Kṣhīr‑Chandan Snatra
Bath with milk and sandalwood mixed in water.
- Keśar‑Sharkarā Snatra
Bath with water mixed with saffron and sugar.
- Tīrthodaka Snatra
Bath with sacred water collected from holy places.
- Karpūra Snatra
Bath with water mixed with camphor.
- Keśar‑Kastūrikā‑Chandan Snatra
Final bath with water mixed with saffron, musk and sandalwood.
These 18 Abhisheks are done to the Jina idol as a very pure, respectful way of washing and adorning the Lord, and also as a way for the devotee to purify their own thoughts and passions.
(Details and exact herb lists can vary slightly by tradition and local vidhi; Digambar methods and names may differ.)