Answer

In Jainism, the usual sequence of daily temple worship is commonly called Ashta Prakari Puja — the worship of Arihant Bhagwan through eight types of offerings.

The common sequence is:

1. Jal Puja – offering water
2. Chandan Puja – offering sandalwood paste
3. Pushpa Puja – offering flowers
4. Dhup Puja – offering incense
5. Deepak Puja – offering lamp/light
6. Akshat Puja – offering unbroken rice
7. Naivedya Puja – offering food
8. Fal Puja – offering fruit

Explanation

Each puja has a symbolic meaning:

• Jal Puja reminds us to purify the soul.
• Chandan Puja represents calmness and inner peace.
• Pushpa Puja reminds us to make our life fragrant with virtues.
• Dhup Puja symbolizes removal of bad karmas and spreading goodness.
• Deepak Puja represents the light of right knowledge.
• Akshat Puja symbolizes the pure, undecaying nature of the soul.
• Naivedya Puja reminds us to reduce attachment to taste and food.
• Fal Puja symbolizes the ultimate spiritual fruit — moksha.

Important Note

The exact sequence and method may differ slightly among Jain traditions, regions, and temple customs, especially between Shvetambar and Digambar traditions. Some temples also include additional practices such as:

• Chaitya Vandana
• Pradakshina
• Stavan or Stuti
• Aarti
• Mangal Divo

Spiritual Understanding

Jain puja is not done to ask Bhagwan for worldly favors. A Tirthankar is a liberated soul, free from attachment and desire. The purpose of puja is to awaken our own inner purity, devotion, humility, and desire for liberation.

Takeaway

The main Jain puja sequence is Jal, Chandan, Pushpa, Dhup, Deepak, Akshat, Naivedya, and Fal. More important than the outer offerings is the inner feeling of reverence, purity, and self-transformation.