Snatra Pooja (also written Snatra Puja or Snatra Vidhi) is a very special Jain puja that re‑enacts the sacred bath (abhishek) of a newborn Tirthankar done by Indra and Devatas on Mount Meru.

In very simple words:

• It is a Jal‑abhishek / Snan of the Jin‑murti, done with great respect.
• While bathing the idol, we remember the Janma‑Kalyanak (birth auspicious event) of a Tirthankar.
• We pray to become pure, peaceful and detached like the Tirthankaras.
• It is done by both Shwetambar and Digambar Jains (exact mantras and method can differ, but the main idea is the same).

Main purposes of Snatra Pooja

1. Remember the Tirthankaras’ purity

Just as the newborn Tirthankar is bathed by Devatas, we symbolically do the same, remembering their spotless, passion‑free soul.

1. Inner cleaning, not only outer

While we pour water on the idol, we think: “As I wash the idol, may my anger, pride, deceit and greed be washed away.”

1. Develop devotion and humility

Standing in front of the Jina, we feel small, peaceful and thankful. This helps in right faith and right conduct.

1. Pray for peace for all

Many Snatra Poojas end with prayers for shanti (peace) and mangal (welfare) of all living beings.

Common features

• Navkar Mantra recitation
• Jal‑abhishek (and sometimes Panchamrut, depending on tradition)
• Stutis describing the birth of Tirthankar and Devatas doing abhishek
• Kusumanjali / offerings with devotion
• Often followed by Ashta‑prakari Puja, Aarti, Mangal Divo, Chaityavandan, etc. (especially in Shwetambar Deravasi practice).

Sect notes

• Shwetambar:

- Usually a detailed poetic Snatra Pooja is sung. - Often done on a specific Snatra murti (many temples use Shantinath Bhagwan, but it is not compulsory; it can be for any Tirthankar).

• Digambar:

- Emphasis on simple, pure Jal‑abhishek and Ashta‑dravya Puja. - The feeling (bhav) is the same: remembering the Tirthankar’s Janma‑Kalyanak and purifying one’s own soul.

If you want, I can next give you a very simple, step‑by‑step Snatra Pooja outline (easy for beginners) in Shwetambar or Digambar style.