Jains use flowers in puja mainly for their spiritual symbolism, not to “please” the Tirthankaras.

• Part of Ashta‑prakari (eightfold) puja: Pushpa (flowers) is one of the eight dravyas traditionally offered during dravya‑puja. The offering is a reminder to worship the qualities of the Arihants, not to ask for worldly favors.
• What flowers signify: A flower’s fragrance and softness symbolize right conduct (charitra) and gentle, compassionate living. Its short life reminds us of impermanence and detachment (vairagya).
• Ahimsa first: Because plucking harms plant life, many Jains minimize or avoid fresh flowers. Common practices include using naturally fallen flowers, a single minimal offering, or symbolic cloth/metal/dry flowers instead of fresh ones. Some puja vidhis use only dry samagri.

Differences in traditions

• Shvetambar and Digambar: Both recognize pushpa in the traditional list of eight offerings. In practice, many Digambar temples and several Shvetambar communities discourage fresh flowers and fruits to reduce himsa; others allow symbolic or fallen flowers. Local temple maryada (rules) should be followed.

Essence

• Flowers are used as a teaching tool: to cultivate inner purity, fragrant virtues, and detachment. If using them would cause avoidable harm, Jain dharma prefers non‑violent, symbolic alternatives.