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chaitya vandan full vidhi in english
Below is a simple, full Chaitya Vandan vidhi in English (Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak style) – mainly the steps and meanings in English, so you can follow even if you don’t know all the Prakrit/Sanskrit.
If you want the exact sutras with original words, tell me your tradition (e.g. Tapāgacch, Añcala‑gacch etc.) and I can list them separately.
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1. Preparation (Shuddhi)
- Take a bath or wash hands, feet, face, and mouth.
- Wear clean, simple clothes (usually white).
- Go to the temple or sit at home facing a Jina idol/photo in a clean place.
- Calm your mind: think – “Now I leave worldly thoughts and remember only the Jina.”
Inner feeling: “I want to do this worship with purity, humility and attention.”
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2. Namokar Mantra (Navkār)
Sit or stand with folded hands and recite Navkār Mantra (usually 3 times).
In English meaning:
> I bow to all Arihants (perfect beings), > I bow to all Siddhas (liberated souls), > I bow to all Āchāryas (head monks), > I bow to all Upādhyāyas (teachers), > I bow to all Sādhus (monks and nuns). > > By bowing to these five, > all sins are destroyed and > auspiciousness arises.
Bhāva (feeling): “I bow to the pure souls who have destroyed or are destroying all karmas. May I walk on their path.”
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3. Kayotsarga & Remembering the 24 Tirthankaras
- Stand straight in kayotsarga posture (feet slightly apart, hands down, body still).
- Close eyes gently or look down.
- Mentally remember all 24 Tirthankaras and their qualities (omniscience, non‑violence, detachment, compassion).
If you know Logassa Sutra, you recite it here. If not, you can simply say in English, for a few minutes:
> “I bow to all the 24 Tirthankaras. > They are completely pure, free from all passions, > full of infinite knowledge, faith and conduct. > May I purify my soul by following their path.”
Stay still and peaceful for some time.
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4. Iriyāpathikī – Asking Forgiveness for Harm by Movement
Sit down again (or remain standing if your tradition does so).
Meaning in simple English (you can say this if you don’t know the sutra):
> “If, while walking, standing, sitting, lying down, > eating, speaking, breathing, or in any movement, > I have harmed any living beings – > from tiny one‑sensed beings to higher beings – > knowingly or unknowingly – > I ask forgiveness from all of them.”
Bhāva: Awareness that even simple movement can hurt small lives, so we become more careful and soft in our actions.
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5. Prayers of Forgiveness (Khamāsaman / Universal Forgiveness)
Now recite the forgiveness prayer. If you don’t know the Prakrit lines, say in English:
> “I forgive all living beings. > May all living beings forgive me. > I have friendship with all. > I have enmity towards none.”
This replaces Khamemi Savva Jīve… etc. in spirit.
Stay a moment in silence with this feeling of no hatred, only friendship.
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6. Vandana – Bowing to Sādhus & Gurus
If you are doing Chaitya Vandan in a temple where sādhus/sādhvīs are present (or in front of guru’s picture), you do vandan (respectful bow) in your mind:
> “I bow to all true monks and nuns > who follow the path of the Jina, > who live with discipline and purity. > May I gain right faith and right conduct by following their guidance.”
In many booklets, here specific vandan sutras are recited. In English, the essence is: “I bow at your feet, O monks/nuns, please accept my respectful salutation and guide me towards liberation.”
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7. Dev Vandana – Bowing to Jina Idols and Holy Places
Now mentally bow to all temples (chaityas) and all Jina idols in the three worlds.
You can say in English:
> “I bow to all Jina temples and holy places of pilgrimage. > I bow to all idols of the omniscient Lords > in this world, in another world, and in the heavens. > I bow to the Lord Jina and to all pure monks. > I bow to the five supreme beings (Pañca‑Parameṣṭhī).”
You may also gently bow (touching the floor with forehead) if possible.
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8. Short Reflection on Dharma (Right Path)
Sit quietly and reflect for a few minutes on the core Jain principles:
- Ahimsā: I will not harm any living being by thought, word, or action as far as possible.
- Satya: I will speak truthfully and gently.
- Aparigraha: I will try to reduce attachment and greed.
- Brahmacharya / restraint: I will control my senses and desires.
- Anekāntavāda: I will respect different viewpoints and not be stubborn.
You may pray in English:
> “O Lord Jina, > May I walk on the path of non‑violence, truth, self‑restraint, and detachment. > May I reduce anger, pride, deceit, and greed. > May I gain right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, > and one day attain liberation like You.”
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9. Kayotsarga / Silent Meditation (End Part)
Again sit or stand still in kayotsarga for a short time:
- Focus on the soul as separate from the body.
- Mentally repeat Navkār Mantra or simply think:
Stay as still as you comfortably can.
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10. Closing – Request for Forgiveness & Peace
To end Chaitya Vandan, fold hands and say in English:
> “If in this worship, I have made any mistake > in posture, words, or thoughts, > please forgive me. > May there be peace, non‑violence, and happiness > for all living beings. > Michchhāmi Dukkaḍaṃ – > I ask forgiveness for any hurt I have caused.”
Then bow once more to the Jina.
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Important Notes
- Traditions differ:
- Digambar tradition:
- It is best to learn the exact original sutras (Iryāvahiyam, Logassa, Khamāsamana, Namutthunam, etc.) from your local guru or temple booklet and then use this English meaning to understand what you are reciting.
You can read a simple explanation of Chaitya Vandan in English here and an outline of Chaitya Vandan vidhi and sutras here .
