what is the benefit of doing daily puja
Answer
Doing daily puja in Jain Dharma helps a person develop devotion, humility, purity of thoughts, and spiritual discipline. It reminds us of the qualities of Arihant Bhagwan, Siddha Bhagwan, Acharya, Upadhyay, and Sadhus, and inspires us to move toward right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
Explanation
In Jainism, puja is not done to ask Bhagwan for worldly favors. Tirthankars are vitarag, completely free from attachment and aversion. They do not give rewards or punishments.
The true benefit of puja is inner transformation:
- Purifies thoughts: Puja helps reduce anger, ego, greed, and attachment.
- Builds humility: Bowing before the Jinas reminds us to let go of pride.
- Creates spiritual focus: Daily puja gives the mind a peaceful and sacred direction.
- Strengthens right faith: Remembering the qualities of Bhagwan increases श्रद्धा and devotion.
- Encourages good conduct: Puja inspires us to practice ahimsa, truthfulness, forgiveness, and self-control.
- Reduces careless living: A daily spiritual routine makes us more aware of our actions, speech, and thoughts.
Spiritual Understanding
Jain puja is a way of worshipping the qualities of the liberated and enlightened souls. When we offer flowers, rice, water, sandalwood, or other dravya in puja, the deeper purpose is bhav puja: to awaken pure feelings within ourselves.
We are not changing Bhagwan through puja; we are trying to change ourselves.
Takeaway
Daily puja benefits the soul by increasing devotion, discipline, humility, and awareness. Its highest purpose is to inspire us to become more peaceful, pure, and detached, following the path shown by the Jinas.