Answer

A commonly followed Jain Puja Vidhi sequence is:

• 1. Preparation – Clean body, clean clothes, pure mind, and respectful attitude.
• 2. Darshan – Peacefully take darshan of Bhagwan / Tirthankar.
• 3. Pranam / Namaskar – Bow with devotion and humility.
• 4. Navkar Mantra – Recite Navkar Mantra with concentration.
• 5. Pradakshina – Circumambulate respectfully, if practiced in your tradition.
• 6. Jal Puja – Offer water.
• 7. Chandan Puja – Offer sandalwood paste.
• 8. Pushpa Puja – Offer flowers.
• 9. Dhup Puja – Offer incense.
• 10. Deepak Puja – Offer lamp/light.
• 11. Akshat Puja – Offer rice grains.
• 12. Naivedya Puja – Offer food item symbolically.
• 13. Fal Puja – Offer fruit.
• 14. Stavan / Chaityavandan – Recite devotional hymns or prayers.
• 15. Khamasana / Prarthana – Bow again and seek forgiveness for any mistakes.
• 16. Mangal Path – Conclude with auspicious prayers.

Explanation

In many Jain traditions, especially in Derasar worship, the well-known sequence is called Ashta Prakari Puja, meaning worship through eight offerings:

• Jal
• Chandan
• Pushpa
• Dhup
• Deepak
• Akshat
• Naivedya
• Fal

The exact order and details may vary slightly by Jain tradition, sect, local temple practice, and family custom.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Puja is not meant to ask Bhagwan for worldly favors. Tirthankars are perfected souls beyond attachment and aversion. Puja helps the devotee develop:

• Humility
• Purity of thought
• Detachment
• Devotion toward the qualities of Arihants and Siddhas
• Inspiration to follow the path of Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnan, and Samyak Charitra

Takeaway

The outer Puja is meaningful when it awakens inner worship: reverence for the pure soul and a desire to reduce karma, passions, and attachment.