Answer

Ashtadravya means the eight sacred substances used in Jain worship, especially during Jin Puja of Bhagwan Arihant / Tirthankar.

The eight dravyas are:

• Jal – Water
• Chandan – Sandalwood paste
• Pushpa – Flowers
• Dhoop – Incense
• Deepak – Lamp
• Akshat – Unbroken rice
• Naivedya – Food offering
• Fal – Fruit

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, these eight substances are not offered because the Tirthankar needs them. A Tirthankar is completely free from attachment, desire, and bodily needs.

The purpose of Ashtadravya Puja is for the devotee’s own spiritual purification. Each item reminds us of an inner quality we should develop.

• Jal reminds us to wash away karmic impurities.
• Chandan symbolizes calmness and purity.
• Pushpa represents fragrance of virtues.
• Dhoop reminds us to spread good conduct.
• Deepak symbolizes right knowledge and enlightenment.
• Akshat represents the desire for an unbroken, imperishable spiritual state.
• Naivedya reminds us to overcome attachment to taste and bodily pleasures.
• Fal symbolizes the final fruit of spiritual practice: moksha.

Spiritual Understanding

Ashtadravya Puja is a way to turn the mind toward the qualities of the Arihant Bhagwan: infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite bliss, and freedom from all karmas.

The true offering in Jain Dharma is not merely material substance, but inner devotion, humility, non-violence, self-control, and the wish to follow the path of liberation.

Takeaway

Ashtadravya are the eight sacred offerings used in Jain Puja. They help the devotee remember the qualities of the Tirthankar and inspire the soul toward purity, detachment, and moksha.