Here is a very simple, beginner‑friendly way to do prayers in a Jain temple (derasar). Follow your own temple’s rules (maryada) first if anything is different.

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1. Before going to the temple

• Take a bath, brush teeth, wear clean and modest clothes (white/light colour is best).
• Avoid leather items (belt, wallet, watch strap) if possible.
• Do not eat or chew inside temple area.
• Keep your mind calm and decide: “In the temple I will stay peaceful and respectful.”

You can read a simple puja outline here

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2. Entering the temple

1. Remove footwear outside. Walk slowly, carefully.
2. Hands clean, phone on silent, no loud talking.
3. At the entrance, many people softly recite:

- “Navkar (Namokar) Mantra”

Some traditions also do Nissihi at the doors (mentally leaving worldly thoughts outside).

More details on derasar prayer here

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3. First Darshan of Bhagwan

1. Stand in front of the main Tirthankar idol (Mulnayak).
2. Join both palms, look at the murti with respect.
3. Slowly recite Navkar Mantra, thinking of its meaning.
4. Do pranam:

- Simple bow with joined hands, or - Panchang pranam (knees, hands, head touching ground) if that is your practice.

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4. Simple way to pray inside the temple

If you are new, you can JUST do this:

1. Navkar Mantra – at least once, better a few times.
2. Short stuti or stavans – any simple Jain prayer you know.
3. Silent prayer – in your own words, ask for:

- Right faith - Right knowledge - Right conduct Not for money, job, etc., but for inner purity and strength.

If your temple follows Chaityavandan (especially Shwetambar Murtipujak), you can sit and follow the usual sequence (Navkar, Logassa, Vandana, etc.) as per their book/paddhati. A simple chaityavandan vidhi is here

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5. If dravya‑puja (Ashta‑prakari puja) is done

Only do this if the temple allows and you know the method; otherwise just do bhav‑puja (mental worship).

Typical 8 items (Ashta‑prakari Puja):

1. Jal – water (purity, self‑control)
2. Chandan – sandal (right knowledge)
3. Pushpa – flower (pure conduct)
4. Dhup – incense (ascetic life)
5. Deepak – lamp (light of the soul)
6. Akshat – rice (last birth ideal)
7. Naivedya – sweet (freedom from taste‑attachment)
8. Phal – fruit (fruit of moksha)

Offer gently, without making a mess, and think about the quality each item represents. More details:

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6. Ending your prayer

• Sit quietly for 1–2 minutes and think:

“May all living beings be happy. May I reduce anger, ego, deceit, greed.”

• Do one last pranam to Bhagwan.
• Slowly walk out without turning your back suddenly on the idol (many walk a few steps backwards first).
• Keep your mind peaceful even after leaving.

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Note on Digambar / Shwetambar

• Both traditions: main purpose is inner worship of Jina’s qualities, not asking for worldly things.
• Shwetambar Murtipujak: usually Chaityavandan + Ashta‑prakari puja, aarti, etc., as per gacha.
• Digambar: more focus on abhishek / snatra, ashta‑dravya puja, path of stotras and dhyan; aarti etc. vary by temple.

If you simply keep these three in mind, your prayer is right: 1) Clean body and place 2) Humble, non‑violent behaviour 3) Pure bhav and focus on Navkar Mantra and Jina’s gun (qualities).