How to do pooja
In Jainism, the act of pooja (worship) is a way to show reverence and gratitude towards the Tirthankaras, who have achieved liberation and are role models for spiritual aspirants. Jain pooja is different from theistic worship; it does not involve asking for favors, but is performed to recall the virtues of the liberated souls and inspire oneself to follow their path.
Basic Steps of Jain Pooja:
- Preparation:
- Take a bath and wear clean, simple clothes. - Maintain a peaceful and focused mind. - Clean the pooja area and the idols or images of the Tirthankaras.
- Samayik/Pratikraman (Optional but recommended):
- Engage in meditation or recitation of prayers to purify thoughts before the pooja.
- Aarti and Prayers:
- Sit facing the idol or image of a Tirthankara. - Recite the Navkar Mantra, which is the most important prayer in Jainism. - Other prayers or stutis (eulogies), such as the Kalyan Mandir Stotra, Bhaktamar Stotra, or other Tirthankara stutis, may also be recited.
- Offerings (Dravya Pooja):
- There are traditionally eight substances (Ashtaprakari) used for pooja: - Jal (water) - Chandan (sandalwood) - Pushpa (flower) - Dhoop (incense) - Deep (lamp) - Akshat (uncooked rice) - Naivedya (sweets or fruits, symbolic only) - Fal (fruits) - Each substance represents a specific virtue. They are offered one by one with relevant prayers or mantras.
- Internal Worship (Bhav Pooja):
- More important in Jainism is Bhav Pooja—worship with pure feelings and intentions, reflecting on the virtues of the Tirthankaras and aspiring to cultivate those qualities.
- Aarti and Mangal Deevo:
- Light the lamp and perform aarti while singing Jain aarti songs. - Mangal Deevo (offering the lamp for auspiciousness) may be done at the end.
- Conclusion:
- Bow down to the Tirthankaras and seek forgiveness for any mistakes during pooja. - Reflect in silence or meditate on the teachings.
Important Points:
- Jain pooja should be done with utmost non-violence (ahimsa), avoiding harm to any living being.
- Food offerings are symbolic; Jains do not believe the Tirthankaras consume them.
Note: The precise rituals can vary between Shwetambar and Digambar traditions and among various Jain communities.
If you want a specific step-by-step pooja for a particular Tirthankara or occasion, please specify.