how to do darshan
I’ll answer assuming you mean: how to do darshan properly in a Jain derasar (temple).
Here is a very simple, traditional way:
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1. Before going to derasar
- Take bath or at least wash hands, legs, face.
- Wear clean, modest clothes (no shorts, sleeveless, very tight or transparent clothes).
- Do not carry food or water bottle inside. ( jainknowledge.com)
- Keep mobile switched off / silent and don’t use it inside. ( jainknowledge.com)
In your mind, remember: “I am going to do darshan of Vitrag Bhagwan, not for show, but for my own soul’s progress.”
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2. Entering the temple
- At the main entrance
- Remove shoes outside. - Ring the bell gently if it is temple’s custom. - Step in with right foot first and think: “Namo Arihantanam – I bow to all Arihants.”
- Walk slowly and silently
No gossip, no loud talking. Mind should be calm, eyes down, no looking here–there.
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3. Standing before Bhagwan
- Come in front of the main idol (without turning your back towards other idols if possible).
- Join your palms near chest (namaskar mudra).
- Recite Navkar Mantra slowly, with feeling:
- First mantra: for all Arihant Bhagwans - Second: for all Siddha Bhagwans - Then for Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhus, and the path (Samyak Darshan, Jnan, Charitra, Tap). ( jainknowledge.com)
Think: “Bhagwan, you are totally passionless (vitrag), I want to walk on your path.”
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4. Namaskar & prostration
If there is space and local maryada allows:
- Do half‑pranam: bend from waist with joined hands.
- Or sashtang / panchang pranam (full prostration) as per your tradition:
While bowing, repeat Navkar Mantra or simply think: “Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṁ – forgive all my faults.”
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5. Simple inner bhāv during darshan
During darshan, keep these thoughts:
- “Bhagwan, you are free from anger, pride, deceit, greed. May I also reduce these.”
- “You have Samyak Darshan, Jnan, Charitra, Tap – I bow to these qualities.”
- “I am not asking for money, job, marks – I am praying for right faith, right knowledge, right conduct.”
If you know any small stotra (e.g. Logassa, Uvasaggaharam, Bhaktamar), you may recite a few verses softly.
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6. After darshan
- Slowly move to the side, not turning your back suddenly towards Bhagwan.
- If there is pradakshina path, you may do 3 or more pradakshina (clockwise), remembering Bhagwan’s qualities.
- Sit for 2–3 minutes in silence (dhyan/bhakti) before leaving.
- When going out, again bow slightly in your mind and say:
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7. Important maryada points
- No eating, drinking, chewing gum, or talking loudly inside. ( jainknowledge.com)
- Dress should be simple and covering; shorts etc. are avoided. ( jainknowledge.com)
- If there is aśaucha / shok / menstruation / active bleeding, follow your sect’s maryada: usually no entry to sanctum or puja; only mental prayers from outside/home. ( jainknowledge.com)
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If you want, you can also read simple temple maryada and darshan‑vidhi explained on JainKnowledge here: You can read more here