Answer

In Jain Dharma, applying kumkum (red powder) on the idol of Arihant Bhagwan is generally not the central or traditional form of worship. Jain puja focuses more on pure substances like:

• Jal – water
• Chandan – sandalwood
• Pushpa – flowers
• Dhoop – incense
• Deepak – lamp
• Akshat – rice
• Naivedya – symbolic food offering
• Fal – fruit

Explanation

In Jainism, Tirthankars are worshipped as Vitarag Bhagwan—completely free from attachment, anger, pride, deceit, and greed. Worship is not done to please God or ask for worldly favors. It is done to develop purity, detachment, and right faith within ourselves.

Because of this, Jain worship traditionally emphasizes cleanliness, non-violence, simplicity, and inner devotion.

In some local customs, people may use kumkum in a temple or during certain rituals, but this can vary by region, sect, and family tradition. It should not be assumed to be a universal Jain practice.

Spiritual Understanding

The main purpose of Jain puja is not decoration of the idol, but awakening qualities like:

• Samyag Darshan – right faith
• Ahimsa – non-violence
• Vairagya – detachment
• Atma-shuddhi – purification of the soul

If any substance is used in worship, it should be used respectfully, cleanly, and according to the tradition of that temple or guru-parampara.

Takeaway

Kumkum is not a main essential offering in traditional Jain puja. In Jain Dharma, the highest worship is to remember the pure qualities of Arihant Bhagwan and try to awaken those qualities within our own soul.