Which flowers can be used for puja
In Jain dharma, flowers are offered with reverence to the Tirthankaras and other deities during puja. The emphasis is on purity, non-violence, and sincerity of devotion. Generally, the following are commonly used:
- White or pale-colored flowers are preferred for their purity (e.g., white jasmine/mogra, white champa, white rose, lily).
- Fragrant flowers are fine, as fragrance is considered an auspicious part of the offering (e.g., jasmine, champa).
- Lotus can be used if available and appropriate, though it is more commonly associated with other traditions; in a Jain context it is valued for its symbolism of purity.
Common practical choices you’ll often see:
- Jasmine (mogra)
- Champa (plumeria)
- Rose
- Lily
- White chrysanthemum or marigold (often used in temples under local customs)
Notes:
- Choose fresh, non-damaged flowers and avoid harsh or harmful handling to respect ahimsa (non-violence).
- Some households or temples may have regional preferences; both Digambar and Shwetambar traditions use flowers in puja, with differences mainly in ritual detail rather than the basic offering of flowers.
- If you have a specific temple or sect tradition you follow, you can ask the priest or elder for the preferred flowers, as local customs vary.
If you’d like, tell me your tradition (Digambar or Shwetambar) and your region, and I can tailor the list to your practice.