Below is a simple, authentic, beginner‑friendly way to do darshan and puja at a Jain temple (derasar/mandir), focused on bhaav‑puja. Follow your local temple’s maryada if it differs.

Before you go

• Purity: Bathe, wear clean modest clothes (white is ideal). Avoid leather items.
• Silence and care: Keep maun or soft speech; walk slowly; don’t disturb any living beings.
• Empty stomach: Morning darshan/puja is ideally before eating.
• Muhpatti: Use it if that is your tradition.
• If you prefer only bhaav‑puja, you may go without dravya; your inner feeling is foremost.

Entering the temple

• At the thresholds, do three nissihi (renouncing worldly thoughts): outside door, inside hall, near the vedi.
• Approach the vedi with joined palms and a calm mind.

Simple bhaav‑puja darshan (no materials required) 1) Namaskar

• Stand steadily, bow with folded hands, and if customary, do a respectful prostration. Keep the gaze at the Lord’s feet, not on ornaments.

2) Navkar Mantra (the first and main prayer)

• Recite with full concentration.
• Text (Prakrit):

“णमो अरिहंताणं । णमो सिद्धाणं । णमो आयरियाणं । णमो उवज्झायाणं । णमो लोए सव्वसाहूणं । एसो पंच णमोकारो, सव्व पावप्पणासणो । मंगलाणं च सव्वेसिं, पडमं हवई मंगलं ॥” Simple meaning: I bow to Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all Sadhus. This five‑fold salutation destroys sins and is the highest auspiciousness. Learn more: 3) Chauvisattho stuti (Logassa/Chaturvimsati‑stava)

• Praise the 24 Tirthankars, cultivating reverence for their qualities.

4) Vandana and Avastha‑chintan

• Offer inner salutations to the Panch‑Parmeshthi. Quietly reflect on the Tirthankar’s three states (pre‑birth, worldly life, and keval‑jnan/moksha), and pray to emulate their virtues.

5) Kayotsarga or short dhyan

• Stand or sit still for a minute, become thought‑free, contemplate ahimsa, samyak‑darshan, and detachment.

6) Pradakshina

• Circumambulate the vedi slowly (often 3 times), with remembrance of the Jina’s qualities.

7) Kshamapna

• Conclude by seeking forgiveness for any faults (Michchhami Dukkadam) and dedicate merit for the welfare of all beings.

If you wish to add short stutis after Navkar

• Bhaktamar Stotra (devotional praise of Adinath) – even a few verses with meaning are fine.
• Uvasaggahar Stotra (for inner obstacles; by Acharya Bhadrabahu).
• Keep the focus on bhaav; avoid rushing through many texts.

Helpful primers:

• Daily puja outline:
• Mansik (silent) japa guidance:

Optional: Ashta‑prakari dravya‑puja (only if your temple permits)

• The eight offerings are Jala, Chandan, Pushpa, Dhup, Deep, Akshat, Naivedya, Phal. Offer very sparingly and cleanly; the real worship is the inner virtue each item symbolizes (purity, knowledge, detachment, fragrance of conduct, light of right‑vision, steadfastness, self‑restraint, spotless result).
• Meanings and a simple flow: and
• Snatra‑puja/abhishek basics (if your temple has this):

Chaityavandan at the temple (Shvetambar Murtipujak common sequence, in brief)

• Nissihi → Pradakshina → Darshan/Pranam → Navkar → Chauvisattho (Logassa) → Vandana → Avastha‑chintan → short kayotsarg → Kshamapna.

A concise walkthrough:

Notes on traditions (to preserve maryada)

• Common to both Digambar and Shvetambar: Navkar Mantra first; stress on bhaav, purity, silence, and non‑violence. Bhaktamar is revered across traditions.
• Shvetambar Murtipujak: Ashta‑prakari dravya‑puja is common where allowed; flowers may be used as per local maryada; chaityavandan is recited in the mandir.
• Digambar: Many temples emphasize abhishek (snatra) and puja with limited or no use of perishable items like flowers; observe strict cleanliness; often separate area for abhishek; follow the pujari’s directions.
• Always follow your temple’s specific do’s/don’ts (e.g., where to place puja items, touching/not touching the murti, photography restrictions, aarti practice).

Do’s and Don’ts (quick)

• Do: keep manah‑shuddhi (pure intent), move gently, keep the place spotless, and leave things as you found them.
• Don’t: speak loudly, rush, push, or place any wet/perishable items where not permitted; never ask the Jina for worldly favors—pray to gain their virtues.

What to learn first (practical path)

• By‑heart with meaning: Navkar Mantra; Logassa stanza(s); 2–4 verses of Bhaktamar; a short Kshamapna line (Michchhami Dukkadam).
• Gradually add: full Bhaktamar or Uvasaggahar; chaityavandan sutras as per your tradition.
• Keep a small notebook with the meaning so your bhaav stays primary.

This is the traditional essence: pure darshan, Navkar first, quiet reflection on the Tirthankars’ qualities, and conduct aligned with ahimsa and self‑restraint.