Dhoop–chamar pūjā means offering dhoop (incense) and chamar/chauri (fly‑whisk) as upachār (honors) to the Tirthankars in front of the idol.

1. What is done in dhoop–chamar pūjā?

Usually after snatra / aṣṭ‑prakārī pūjā or during daily mandir bhakti:

1. Dhoop (incense)

- Light the dhoop or incense stick. - Standing or kneeling before Bhagwān, slowly move the dhoop in small circles in front of the idol. - Keep bhāv: “May my thoughts become as pure as this fragrance.”

1. Chamar / Chauri (fly‑whisk)

- Gently wave the chamar from side to side near the idol (not touching it). - This is done as a royal honor, like devas serving the Jina.

Both are symbols only. The Tirthankar is vītarāg and needs nothing; we do it to purify our own inner state.

You can read a simple explanation of why dhoop and chamar are used in Jain temples here

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2. Spiritual meaning

Dhoop (incense)

• Fragrance spreading in all directions = spreading of good conduct and sadbhāv.
• Smoke going upwards = letting go of kaṣāy (anger, pride, deceit, greed) and rising towards mokṣa.
• Reminder: make your charitra (conduct) as “fragrant” as possible.

Chamar / Chauri

• In Jain images, devas stand with chauri around the Jina.
• Waving chamar = accepting the Jina as the true king of our inner world.
• Also a feeling of seva: “I serve your guṇ (virtues), not your body.”

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3. Simple words you may recite

You can keep it very simple, for example:

While offering dhoop:

• Recite Navkār Mantra, or
• Say: “Arihant Bhagwān, this fragrant dhoop I offer at your feet; may my thoughts become pure.”

While waving chamar:

• Again recite Navkār, or
• Say: “Jinendra Bhagwān, I honor your vītarāgta; may I also reduce my passions.”

Some Śvetāmbara families also recite short dohā / stavans during dhoop and diva; patterns are similar during dhoop–chamar bhakti as well. For small Sanskrit phrases used with dhoop and chamar you can see here

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4. Digambar – Śvetāmbara note

• Śvetāmbara mūrtipūjak: dhoop, dīp, chamar, mirror etc. are commonly used in bhakti and aarti.
• Digambar: chauri‑dhāri devas are always carved near Tirthankars; dhoop and chamar are also used in many temples, though exact mantras and style vary regionally.
• Sthānakvāsī / Terāpanth: no idol‑pūjā, so dhoop–chamar is not done.

Essence: Dhoop–chamar pūjā is a simple, symbolic bhakti – keep focus on Navkār, on the qualities of the Tirthankars, and on purifying your own bhāv.