But we have flower puja as an integral part of religious prayer
Yes, in some Jain traditions pushpa-pūjā is included as part of dravya pūjā. It is performed with devotion and symbolic meaning.
But in Jain Dharma, the highest worship is bhāva pūjā — the inner worship of pure intention, detachment, and reverence. External offerings like flowers are secondary and should never override ahiṃsā and purity of conduct.
So, if flower puja is done, it should be:
- with respect
- without violence as far as possible
- with the understanding that it is symbolic, not essential to liberation
In Jain practice, the real essence of prayer is inner purity, not only external offering.