In Jainism, pooja (worship or devotional rituals) is considered a means to express reverence towards the Tirthankaras and to cultivate inner purity, humility, and right attitude. However, Jain philosophy emphasizes that karmas (karmic particles) can only be eradicated through right knowledge (samayak jnana), right faith (samayak darshan), and right conduct (samayak charitra), not merely through ritual worship.

That said, different poojas and devotional practices are believed to help reduce specific types of passions (kashayas) and mental impurities, thereby aiding in the process of shedding karma (nirjara). Here are some examples:

1. Ashtaprakari Pooja:

- The standard eightfold worship of Tirthankaras, symbolizing purification of the soul from eight types of karmas. Each item used in the pooja (like water, sandalwood, flowers, etc.) represents the desire to eradicate specific defilements or karmas, such as deluding karma (moha), knowledge-obscuring karma (jnanavaraniya), and so on.

1. Snatra Pooja:

- Performed to commemorate the birth bathing of Tirthankaras, it signifies inner purification and the beginning of spiritual cleansing. It is meant to inspire the practitioner to cleanse themselves of accumulated karmas.

1. Navkar Mantra chanting:

- Regular recitation of the Navkar Mantra is believed to help reduce negative karmic effects by cultivating humility and reverence towards the Panch Parmeshti (five supreme beings).

1. Dev Shastra Guru Pooja:

- Worship of the true God (Arihant/Siddha), scriptures, and gurus helps reduce karmas related to ignorance and wrong faith.

Important Jain Principle: No pooja or ritual, by itself, can directly destroy karmas. Pooja is meaningful only when performed with the right intention, mindfulness, and adherence to the principles of non-violence, truth, and self-restraint. The ultimate eradication of karma comes from practicing the three jewels: right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, along with austerities (tapas) and meditation.

Summary Table:

| Pooja Type | Symbolic Karma Targeted | Actual Eradication Method | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Ashtaprakari Pooja | All eight types of karma (symbolically)| Right faith, knowledge, conduct | | Snatra Pooja | Impure karma (symbolic purification) | Spiritual purification & humility | | Navkar Mantra | Deluding karma (moha), ego | Cultivation of humility | | Dev Shastra Guru Pooja | Ignorance, wrong faith | Reverence for truth and guidance |

Conclusion: Pooja in Jainism is a supportive spiritual practice. The actual eradication of karma is achieved through internal transformation, not rituals alone. Pooja inspires and supports that transformation.