Answer

For learning Jain rituals, these books are good starting points:

• Compendium of Jainism — a 450-page simple-English book, useful for beginners and Pathshala students. It is a strong first book for understanding Jain basics before rituals. ( jaina.org)
• Jain Way of Life — a simple and easy-to-understand guide for blending Jain practices into daily life. ( jaina.org)
• English Pratikraman — useful for Śvetāmbara practice; it includes sutras from various Śvetāmbara traditions and explains the meaning in simple English. ( jaina.org)
• Jain Puja Book – Ashta Prakari Puja and Shanti Kalash — useful for Śvetāmbara temple rituals; it is part of the ritual books compiled for temple traditions. ( jaina.org)
• Pooja Sangraha with Meaning Tika — a Gujarati ritual and worship book, good if you prefer Gujarati. ( jainqq.org)
• Digambar Jain Pooja English — useful for Digambara ritual learning; it covers daily essentials and includes pujas like Navdevtha, Das Lakshan, Panchmeru, Mahaveer Bhagwan puja, and aarti. ( jainfoundation.in)
• Paryushan Aaradhna Sampoot — good for Paryushan learning; it includes pratikraman, stavan, sajjay, and guidance for the eight days of the festival, in Gujarati, Hindi, and English. ( sanmargprakasshan.org)
• Tattvarth Sutra Book — not a ritual book, but very helpful for understanding the basic nine Jain principles and karma theory behind the rituals. ( studyjainism.org)

Explanation

If you are a beginner, start with Compendium of Jainism or Jain Way of Life. These give the foundation first. If you want ritual practice, choose the book according to your tradition:

• Śvetāmbara: English Pratikraman, Jain Puja Book, or Pooja Sangraha with Meaning Tika. ( jaina.org)
• Digambara: Digambar Jain Pooja English. ( jainfoundation.in)

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, rituals are most valuable when you understand their bhav and meaning, not just the words. That is why books with meanings and explanations are very helpful for real swadhyay and inner purification. ( jaina.org)

Takeaway

If you want just one best starter book, choose Compendium of Jainism. If you want ritual learning, then add the ritual book for your tradition: English Pratikraman for Śvetāmbara or Digambar Jain Pooja English for Digambara. ( jaina.org)