Aangi during Paryushan

• What is Aangi

Aangi is the sacred decoration of a Tirthankar’s idol with sandalwood/astagandha paste and natural colors in fine, auspicious patterns. It is an act of bhakti meant to honor the Kevali Bhagwan and inspire inner purity.

• When it is done

Mainly in the early morning after snatra/abhishek and before shringar-puja and aarti, on all or selected days of Paryushan. On Samvatsari morning, many temples offer a special, more elaborate Aangi.

• How it is done (simple outline)

1) Pavitrikaran: Clean altar and offer navangi/naivedya as per local maryada. 2) Gandhodak/Abhishek: Bathe the murti (where allowed). 3) Vilepan: Apply a smooth base of chandan or astagandha. 4) Aangi: Create auspicious motifs (e.g., kalash, swastik, nandyavart, creepers, lotus, chaitya-vruksha), sometimes highlighting shri-vatsa and the lanchhan of the Tirthankar. 5) Shringar: Offer vastra (where tradition permits), mukut, mala, and complete with aarti.

• Materials traditionally used

Sandalwood paste, astagandha, saffron, camphor-water, and occasionally very fine, natural, food-safe colors. Metals, synthetic glues, or harsh chemicals are avoided to uphold ahimsa and maryada.

• Niyam and care

• Maintain shuddhi (cleanliness of body, mind, and place). • Keep designs sober, non-gaudy; focus on bhav, not show. • Do not use materials that can harm even minute life-forms or stain the murti. • Follow the temple’s local maryada and the guidance of the pujari.

• Spiritual meaning (arth)

Aangi is an outer expression to awaken inner devotion. The cool, fragrant chandan symbolizes serenity and vitaragata; the auspicious symbols remind us to purify passions, practice samyam and tapa during Paryushan, and adorn our own soul with right faith, knowledge, and conduct. True “Aangi” is the inner refinement of kashayas.

• Differences in traditions

• Shwetambar Murtipujak: Aangi is common and may be elaborate during Paryushan, with distinct, traditional motifs and occasional “special Aangi” on Samvatsari. • Digambar: Emphasis is on abhishek, puja, and austerities; elaborate colored Aangi is generally minimal or not practiced in many places. Where done, it remains very simple (chandan/tilak) in line with maryada.

• Practical tips for householders in Paryushan

• If you cannot visit temple daily, do a simple home vilepan (where permitted) or mentally offer Aangi after pratikraman. • Keep focus on svadhyaya, pratikraman, tapa, and kshama—Aangi should support, not replace, these core practices. • On Samvatsari, keep the decoration dignified and spend more time in forgiveness and repentance.

For a concise overview of Paryushan and its observances, see this reference: and key purposes and rules here: