Answer

In Jain tradition, after touching a dead body, one should generally avoid doing seva-puja immediately until proper purification is done according to one’s family, temple, and sampradāy practice.

Since you touched the dead body yesterday, it is best to:

• Take a proper bath.
• Wear clean washed clothes.
• Follow your family’s or temple’s rules regarding sutak / impurity period.
• Ask the temple pujari, guru, or senior śrāvaka if you are unsure.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, seva-puja is done with external cleanliness and inner purity. Contact with a dead body is traditionally treated as an occasion requiring purification before entering into sacred activities like temple seva, puja, or touching Jin pratima-related items.

Rules may differ depending on:

• Whether the deceased was a close family member or not.
• Your local Jain tradition.
• Your temple’s maryādā.
• Whether a formal impurity period is being observed.

If it was a close family member, many Jain families observe a period of restriction from temple puja and certain religious activities. If it was not a close relative, purification by bathing and wearing clean clothes may be considered sufficient in many places, but temple rules should be respected.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose is not fear or superstition. Jain Dharma emphasizes purity, discipline, and reverence in worship. Seva-puja should be performed with a clean body, calm mind, and respectful observance of religious maryādā.

Takeaway

If you touched a dead body yesterday, do not rush into seva-puja without purification. Bathe, wear clean clothes, and follow your family or temple tradition. If there is any doubt, ask your local temple authority or guru before doing seva-puja.