In a Jain temple, “praying” really means doing darshan, vandan and bhakti with shraddhā (faith), vinay (humility) and samyaktva (right view). Here is a simple, practical guide:

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1. Before entering the temple

• Dress simply and modestly.
• Remove shoes, belt/ leather items outside.
• Make sure your body and mind are clean (bathe if possible, avoid anger / hurry).

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2. At the entrance

• Fold hands and bow slightly towards the temple.
• Many softly recite:

- “ṇamo arihantāṇaṁ, ṇamo siddhāṇaṁ…” (Navkār Mantra) while entering.

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3. In front of the main idol (Mūl Nāyak)

Stand a little away first:

1. Namaskār (pranām)

- Join both hands, close eyes for a moment. - Recite the Navkār Mantra slowly with full awareness. - Think: - “I bow to Arihants, Siddhas, Āchāryas, Upādhyāyas and all Sādhus.” - “May I also walk on their path of ahimsā, satya and self-discipline.”

1. Vandan / Prostration

- If health allows, do a panchāng / ashtāng pranām (touch knees, hands, head to ground) facing the idol. - Feel: “I am full of faults; the Jin is completely pure. I seek that purity.”

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4. What to think while praying

In Jainism you do not ask Bhagwān to change your fate. Instead you:

• Praise their gunas (qualities):

- Keval-jnān (infinite knowledge) - Keval-darshan (infinite perception) - Vītarāgta (complete freedom from attachment–aversion)

• Pray like this in your mind:

- “May I reduce my anger, pride, deceit and greed.” - “May I follow ahimsā, observe small vows, and purify my soul.”

• This is called bhāva-pūjā (internal worship).

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5. External rituals (if you are doing pūjā)

Depending on temple tradition (Śvetāmbara / Digambara) details change, but the bhāva is same.

Common practices:

1. Auspicious materials

- Offer rice, flowers, sandal, akshat, deepak etc. (as per local maryādā). - Each item is symbolic; for example: - Rice/akshat: wish for steadiness in dharma. - Deepak: wish to light the inner knowledge.

1. Pūjā mantras / stavans

- Recite: - Navkār Mantra - Logassa (Śvetāmbara) - Namokāravali, stavans, etc. - Do not rush. Focus on arth (meaning), not only tune.

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6. Pradakshinā (circumambulation)

• Walk calmly around the idol or garbhagriha, usually 3 or more rounds.
• Think:

- “As I go around the Jina, may my life also revolve around dharma.”

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7. Sitting for a few minutes

After pūjā / darshan:

• Sit quietly facing the idol.
• Observe your breath and thoughts for a few minutes.
• You may do jap of Navkār Mantra or just reflect:

- “Soul is independent, karmas are my own creation, liberation is my goal.”

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8. Before leaving the temple

• Again fold hands to the mūl nāyak.
• Mentally repeat:

- “Today whatever little right thoughts arose, may they increase.”

• As you step out, keep maun (silence) for a minute if possible, so the peaceful bhāva continues.

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Important Jain principles to remember while praying

• No bargains with God: “If you do this, I’ll do that” is not Jain way.
• No blind fear: Jin Bhagwān is vītarāg, not punishing.
• Real prayer = inner change:

- Less violence, more compassion. - Less anger, more forgiveness. - Less greed, more contentment.

If you wish, I can next give you a simple step‑by‑step Navkār-based prayer you can memorize and use in any Jain temple.