Answer

In Asht Prakari Pooja, the doha should be:

• Devotional — expressing reverence for Arihant Bhagwan
• Pure in meaning — connected with Jain tattva and bhakti
• Related to the specific dravya being offered
• Focused on inner purification, not worldly desires

For example, each of the eight poojas usually has its own doha or bhavna connected to that offering:

• Jal Pooja — purification of karmic impurities
• Chandan Pooja — coolness, peace, and removal of passions
• Pushpa Pooja — fragrance of right conduct
• Dhoop Pooja — spreading virtues like fragrance
• Deepak Pooja — light of right knowledge
• Akshat Pooja — attainment of imperishable state
• Naivedya Pooja — freedom from hunger and desire
• Fal Pooja — fruit of moksha

Explanation

The doha should not be just poetic words. It should help the devotee remember the deeper meaning of the offering.

In Jain Dharma, external pooja is meaningful when it creates inner bhavna such as:

• humility
• detachment
• purity
• right faith
• desire for moksha

So, while performing Asht Prakari Pooja, one may recite traditional dohas used in one’s Jain sampraday or temple tradition. If you do not know the exact traditional doha, it is better to say a simple respectful bhavna rather than invent sacred verses.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of saying a doha during pooja is to turn the mind from the outer offering toward inner transformation.

For example:

• When offering water, think: “May my soul become pure.”
• When offering lamp, think: “May right knowledge arise in me.”
• When offering fruit, think: “May I attain the supreme fruit of moksha.”

Takeaway

In Asht Prakari Pooja, say a doha that is traditional, respectful, connected to the offering, and filled with pure Jain bhavna—not one asking for worldly gain.