“Adhar Abhishek” = “18‑fold Abhishek (ritual bathing)”

In simple English:

• Adhar (or Aadhar) means eighteen (18).
• Abhishek means ritual bathing / anointing of the idol with sacred liquids.

So Adhar Abhishek is a special Jain puja in which the idol of a Tirthankar is bathed 18 times with different holy, mostly herbal and fragrant liquids (waters, decoctions, etc.).

Main ideas in English

• It is done for purification of the Jin‑idol and the temple (derasar).
• It is especially used:

- when an idol has been moved, - when a very old idol is re‑installed, - when there has been any disrespect (aśātanā) to the idol or derasar, - or on very special, auspicious occasions.

• Each of the 18 Abhisheks uses a different sanctified liquid, symbolizing:

- cleansing of karma and impurities, - increasing shuddhi (purity), - deep devotion and surrender to the Tirthankar.

In short, Adhar Abhishek in English can be described as: “An 18‑step sacred bathing ceremony of the Tirthankar idol for purification and devotion.”