is it acceptable to do bhav puja only when others are doing dravya puja
Yes, bhav puja is always acceptable and important, even if you are not doing dravya puja.
In Jain Dharma:
- Dravya puja = external worship done with physical materials like water, rice, flowers, etc.
- Bhav puja = inner worship done with pure devotion, reverence, concentration, and right भावना.
If others are doing dravya puja, you may:
- join in bhav puja sincerely,
- remain mentally devoted,
- and keep your mind in श्रद्धा, समर्पण, and purity.
However, from a Jain viewpoint, bhav puja should not be seen as a substitute done casually. The highest value is when the mind is truly engaged in devotion and detachment. If one is intentionally unable to do dravya puja due to situation, vows, or tradition, then sincere bhav puja is completely meaningful.
So the simple answer is:
Yes, it is acceptable — but it should be done with genuine inner devotion, not merely as a formality while others are performing dravya puja.