Below is a simple, tradition‑safe guide. Please follow the maryada (local rules) of your derasar and the guidance of your Guru/pujari first.

Vastra–Angi: meaning

• Vastra = respectfully clothing the Jin pratimā.
• Angi = decorating the body of the pratimā with chandan/kesar (sandal–saffron) in simple, shuddh designs.
• Goal = bhakti with shuddhi (purity), not show or excess.

Important difference by tradition

• Shvetāmbara Murtipūjak: Vastra-yojana (clothing) and Angi (chandan–kesar alankār) are done as per temple maryada.
• Digambara: Tīrthankar mūrti is kept nirvāstra (unclad). Do not dress the idol. Simple chandan–kesar angi/alankār may be done as permitted; decorations like mukut/māla/chaatra vary by temple. Always ask the pujari.

Purity and preparation

• Snātra/Jal‑abhishek first, as per maryada.
• Your body, clothes, hands, samagri and place must be clean; maintain maun (silence) as far as possible.
• Use only permitted dravyas: fine chandan paste, a little kesar, clean white unstitched cloth for vastra (Shvetāmbara), soft cotton swab or peacock feather for designs. Avoid glue, synthetic colors, glitter, pins, or anything that can scratch the mūrti.

Step‑by‑step (Shvetāmbara Murtipūjak) 1) Mangalācharaṇ

• Recite Navkār Mantra. Seek kṣamā for any past mistakes.

2) Snātra/Jal‑Abhishek

• Perform as taught in your derasar. Gently dry the mūrti with clean aṅgalañchan (white cloth).

3) Vastra‑yojana (clothing the mūrti)

• Use fresh, unstitched, plain white cloth.
• Lower wrap (like a small dhotī) first; then upper aṅgavastra/uttarīya if your maryada allows.
• Do not force knots on the limbs; keep draping soft and loose. Never cover the face or sacred symbols. Do not use pins/tapes.

4) Angi (chandan–kesar alankār)

• Make a thin, smooth base of chandan where allowed (usually limbs and torso; never on eyes/lips).
• With a soft tip, draw very simple, sattvik motifs (e.g., lotuses, lines, kalash, śrīvatsa as per your temple’s practice). Keep it minimal and symmetrical. Excess paste or thick embossing is avoided.
• Place a small kesar bindu only if this is your temple’s accepted practice.

5) Alankār (if permitted)

• Light, traditional ornaments like mukut, mālā, chaamara, chhatra may be placed per maryada. Avoid heavy/metal parts that touch and scratch the idol.

6) Puja, Ārti, Pradakṣiṇā

• Perform your pūjās (Aṣṭaprakārī, Nav‑āṅg etc.) as per vidhi, then ārti and pradakṣiṇā. Conclude with kṣamāpanā.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do keep everything shuddh, gentle, and minimal.
• Do follow exactly what your temple follows; each derasar has set rules.
• Don’t use chemical colors, perfumes, kumkum/sindūr or gulāl unless explicitly allowed.
• Don’t scratch, rub hard, or press any part of the mūrti.
• Don’t innovate designs; keep them traditional and simple.

Special note for Digambara temples

• Do not put vastra on the Tīrthankar idol. After snātra, only simple chandan–kesar aṅgaracchanā may be done if the temple permits; many keep even this very minimal. Ornaments and other offerings vary—always ask the pujari first.

Related simple vidhis you can read

• Snātra Pūjā (how to do)
• Aṣṭaprakārī Pūjā (meaning and items)

If in doubt, follow your derasar’s maryada and the pujari’s instructions. That preserves the shuddhi and the true bhāva of Jain pūjā.