Welcome. You are most welcome in a Jain temple, even if you are Hindu and visiting for the first time.

Here is a very simple step‑by‑step guide:

1. Dress & preparation

- Wear clean, modest clothes (cover shoulders and legs). - Remove leather items if possible (belt, wallet, purse, watch straps, etc.). - Try to be clean (bathed, fresh clothes). - Ideally, do not enter just after eating non‑veg, alcohol, or smoking.

1. At the entrance

- Remove shoes/slippers outside the temple. - Switch mobile to silent. - Enter quietly with a respectful mind.

1. Before going near the idols (Bhagwan’s murti)

- Usually wash hands (and sometimes feet) if facility is there. - Do not carry food or drinks inside. - Maintain silence or speak very softly.

1. How to stand / sit in front of the idol

- Stand or sit facing the idol with joined hands (Namaste). - You may say in your mind: - “Namo Arihantāṇam” or simply “Namo Jinendra”. - In Jainism we do not ask for worldly favors (job, marriage, etc.). We offer respect and pray for: - right understanding, - peace, - freedom from anger, ego, greed, attachment.

1. Namaskar (prayer) you can do

If you want a simple short prayer, you can mentally say:

“Namo Arihantāṇam, Namo Siddhāṇam, Namo Ayariyāṇam, Namo Uvajjhāyāṇam, Namo Loe Savva Sāhūṇam.”

Then bow your head.

1. Do’s and Don’ts near the idol

- You may bow or do pañchāng prāṇām (full prostration) if you feel comfortable. - Usually only properly bathed Jain devotees or pujāris touch the idol. As a newcomer, do not touch the idol; simply fold hands from a little distance. - Walk slowly, no hurry, no back to the idol while very close (if possible).

1. During pūjā / āratī / bhakti

- If some ritual is going on, you can simply: - stand or sit quietly, - fold your hands, - observe respectfully. - You may join in clapping during āratī / stavan if others are doing it.

1. After darshan

- Sit for 2–5 minutes in silence and reflect: - “May I reduce anger, pride, deceit, greed.” - “May I not hurt any living being.” - Then slowly come out, again with folded hands towards the idol.

1. If confused, just ask

- You can politely ask any devotee or pujāri: - “Main pehli baar aaya/ayi hoon, kaise darshan karun?” (I am coming for the first time, how should I do darshan?) - They will be happy to guide you.

If you follow:

• cleanliness,
• silence,
• folded hands,
• and a humble, non‑violent mindset,

then your first visit will be completely appropriate and respectful.