Answer

In Jain Dharma, the use of substances like ghee, dahi, milk, water, sandalwood, etc. in idol worship is understood differently by different Jain traditions.

Your question is very valid: Tirthankars renounced everything, so why offer worldly substances to their idols?

The Jain answer is: these substances are not offered because the Tirthankar needs them. A Tirthankar is completely free from attachment, desire, hunger, body-consciousness, and worldly needs. The offerings are mainly for the devotional purification of the worshipper’s own mind.

Explanation

In idol worship, the idol represents the qualities of the Tirthankar:

• Perfect knowledge
• Perfect perception
• Perfect conduct
• Complete detachment
• Freedom from karma

So when a devotee performs abhishek or puja, the intention is not to “give” something to Bhagwan, but to express:

• reverence,
• humility,
• gratitude,
• and the wish to purify one’s own soul.

Substances like dahi or ghee are traditionally seen as auspicious offerings in some murti-pujak traditions. However, Jain Dharma also teaches aparigraha, ahimsa, and inner renunciation, so the use of such substances should never become show, waste, pride, or attachment.

About 20 Panthi Practice

Among Digambar Jains, different sub-traditions such as Terapanthi and Bisapanthi / 20 Panthi have differences in ritual practice.

Bisapanthi tradition generally accepts more elaborate forms of temple worship and offerings, while Terapanthi tradition tends to emphasize simpler worship and avoids certain offerings.

Both traditions respect Tirthankars, but they differ in how external worship should be performed.

Spiritual Understanding

Your point is spiritually important: the Tirthankar’s life teaches total renunciation. Therefore, any puja should ultimately lead us toward:

• less attachment,
• less ego,
• more self-control,
• more compassion,
• and greater awareness of the soul.

If ritual increases pride, waste, violence, or attachment, then its spiritual purpose is weakened.

But if ritual is done with humility, restraint, devotion, and understanding, it can become a support for inner purification.

Takeaway

Tirthankars do not need ghee, dahi, milk, or any offering. These are symbolic devotional acts for the worshipper’s inner purification. But Jain Dharma’s highest teaching remains clear: true worship is to follow the path of ahimsa, aparigraha, self-discipline, and liberation shown by the Tirthankars.