In Jain temples these items are “upachāra” — respectful honors offered to the Vītarāga (passionless) Tīrthankaras. They do not “need” them; we use them to purify our own bhāva (inner devotion) and remember their qualities.

• Dhoop (incense): The pure fragrance reminds us to make our conduct fragrant through right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. The rising smoke symbolizes letting go of passions and impurities. Use is mindful so as not to harm living beings.

• Deep (lamp): The flame represents the light of samyag-darshan, samyag-jñān and samyag-chāritra dispelling the darkness of ignorance. Its upward movement reminds us to elevate the soul towards keval-jñān.

• Mirror (darpaṇ): Often placed behind the mūl-nāyak to reflect the image. Spiritually it teaches: turn your vision inward — the soul is a pure, shining reality like a spotless mirror; remove karmic dust and your own “image” becomes clear. It also helps devotees view the idol from crowded sanctums.

• Chamar/Chauri (fly-whisk): A royal honor signifying sovereignty of the Jina over the inner kingdom of the self. In Jain iconography, devas hold chauris around the Tīrthankara; in temples, waving a chamar expresses reverence and our readiness to “serve” the Jina’s virtues, not the person.

Sect-wise notes

• Shvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak generally perform dhoop-ārti and dīp-ārti; mirrors and chauris are common in sanctums.
• Digambara temples also depict chauri-bearers in icons; ārti is performed in many regions, though local practice varies; mirrors may or may not be present.
• Shvetāmbara Sthānakvāsī and Terāpanth do not do mūrti-pūjā, so these items are not used.

Essence: These are symbols to cultivate inner purity, humility and remembrance of the Jina’s qualities while strictly upholding ahiṁsā and temple purity.