What to read while we enter into temple and afterwards
In Jainism, entering a temple (Derasar or Jain Mandir) is a sacred act, and there are specific prayers and recitations recommended for before, during, and after the visit:
Before Entering the Temple:
- Pradakshina Vidhi (Circumambulation): As you approach the temple, you may recite hymns or verses expressing reverence and humility, such as:
- "Namo Arihantanam" (Obeisance to the Arihants) - "Namo Siddhanam" (Obeisance to the Siddhas) - "Namo Ayariyanam" (Obeisance to the Acharyas) - "Namo Uvajjhayanam" (Obeisance to the Upadhyayas) - "Namo Loe Savva-sahunam" (Obeisance to all Sadhus and Sadhvis) These are the lines of the Namokar Mantra, the most important and universal prayer in Jainism.
- Entry Prayer: As you step into the temple, silently or softly recite:
- "Micchami Dukkadam" (May all the evil that has been done be fruitless), expressing humility and asking forgiveness for any harm caused knowingly or unknowingly.
Inside the Temple (Near the Idol):
- Namokar Mantra: Recite the Namokar Mantra with devotion.
- Stavan and Stutis: You may chant devotional hymns (stavan) and prayers (stuti) such as:
- "Jin Vandana" (verses in praise of the Tirthankaras) - "Bhagwan Adinath Stuti," "Parasnath Stavan," or hymns specific to the Tirthankara whose idol is present
- Khamasana or Khamemi Savva Jive: Asking forgiveness from all living beings.
After Worship (Before Leaving the Temple):
- Mangal Path: Recite auspicious verses like:
- "Mangalam Bhagwan Veero..." - "Visuddha Khamasamano..." (expressing purity and forgiveness)
- Kshamapana Prayer: Ask for forgiveness for any mistakes made during worship.
- Farewell Prayers: You may recite:
- "Icchaami Khamasamano" (I seek forgiveness for any faults in my worship or conduct) - "Micchami Dukkadam" again as you leave.
Summary Table:
| When | What to Read/Recite | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Before Entering | Namokar Mantra, Micchami Dukkadam | | Inside Temple | Namokar Mantra, Stavan/Stuti, Jin Vandana | | After Worship/Leaving| Mangal Path, Kshamapana, Icchaami Khamasamano |
Note:
- One should enter the temple with clean body and mind, and maintain silence and reverence.
- If you follow a specific Jain sect (Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi, Digambara, Swetambara), there might be additional or slightly different prayers and customs.
Always remember the main focus is devotion, humility, and intention of non-violence and purity.