Answer

In Jain Dharma, entering and exiting a temple should be done with purity, humility, and respect. Below is a simple step-by-step way to perform temple etiquette.

Entering the Temple

• 1. Prepare before entering
  Wear clean clothes and keep the mind peaceful. Avoid anger, gossip, or worldly thoughts as much as possible.
• 2. Remove shoes and leather items
  Remove footwear before entering the temple area. Traditionally, leather items are also avoided because Jain Dharma emphasizes ahimsa.
• 3. Wash hands and feet if possible
  Cleanliness is important before going near the sacred place.
• 4. Enter with folded hands
  Enter respectfully, with devotion and humility.
• 5. Bow to the temple and Bhagwan
  On seeing the idol of Tirthankar Bhagwan, bow your head with reverence.
• 6. Say “Namo Jinanam” or Navkar Mantra
  Mentally or softly recite the Navkar Mantra or say “Namo Jinanam.”
• 7. Do darshan peacefully
  Stand calmly in front of Bhagwan. Avoid talking loudly or rushing.
• 8. Perform vandan / pranam
  Offer respectful bowing. In many traditions, devotees do khamasamana or bow with folded hands.
• 9. Perform puja if appropriate
  If you follow the puja tradition, perform it according to your sampraday and temple rules. Common Shwetambar temple puja may include offerings such as water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamp, rice, sweets, and fruit. Digambar traditions may follow different practices.
• 10. Sit for prayer or meditation
  Spend a few moments in silence, reciting mantras, doing samayik-bhav, or reflecting on the virtues of Arihant Bhagwan.

Exiting the Temple

• 1. Bow again before leaving
  Before turning away, offer a final pranam to Bhagwan.
• 2. Walk backward a few steps if customary
  In many Jain traditions, devotees take a few steps backward respectfully so they do not immediately turn their back to Bhagwan.
• 3. Leave quietly
  Maintain silence and peacefulness as you exit.
• 4. Avoid worldly talk immediately
  Try to carry the devotional feeling outside the temple also.
• 5. Put on footwear only after leaving the proper temple area
  Wear shoes only in the designated area.
• 6. Carry the temple’s message into life
  Leave with the intention to practice ahimsa, truth, self-control, forgiveness, and humility.

Spiritual Understanding

The temple is not only a place for ritual; it is a place to awaken the soul. When we enter, we leave behind ego and worldly distractions. When we exit, we should carry the qualities of Tirthankar Bhagwan into our daily conduct.

Takeaway

Enter with purity, bow with humility, pray with devotion, and leave with a resolve to live more peacefully and spiritually.