what is baras pooja?
Answer
Baras Pooja generally refers to a Jain devotional worship performed on Baras, meaning the 12th day of the lunar fortnight.
In Jain tradition, certain lunar days such as Beej, Pancham, Atham, Chaudas, and Baras are considered spiritually significant for worship, devotion, fasting, and self-purification.
Explanation
The word Baras means twelfth. So, Baras Pooja is a pooja observed on the 12th tithi of either:
- Shukla Paksha – bright half of the lunar month
- Krishna Paksha – dark half of the lunar month
Depending on the local Jain tradition, temple practice, or family custom, Baras Pooja may include:
- Going to the Jain temple
- Doing darshan of Bhagwan
- Performing pooja or chaitya vandan
- Reciting stavan, stuti, or mantra
- Doing samayik, pratikraman, or meditation
- Observing fasting or eating with restraint
Spiritual Understanding
The purpose of Baras Pooja is not only ritual worship, but also:
- To increase devotion toward Arihant Bhagwan
- To reduce attachment to worldly activities
- To purify thoughts, words, and actions
- To remember the path of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct
In Jain Dharma, such observances help a person turn inward and strengthen spiritual discipline.
Takeaway
Baras Pooja is a Jain worship or devotional observance done on the 12th lunar day, meant to support purity, devotion, self-control, and spiritual progress.