Short answer: there is no requirement to worship murti (idols) in Jainism, and many Jains prefer to focus on inner purification and right conduct rather than idol worship. How murti puja is approached varies by tradition, and the key is to keep the worship as reverence for the ideal qualities of the Tirthankaras and for one’s own spiritual striving, not as worship of a deity.

Key points:

• What murti puja means in practice

- In many Jain temples (especially in the Shwetambar tradition), idols of Tirthankaras are central for ritual remembrance and offerings. The purpose is to inspire right thought, devotion (bhakti toward the ideal), and to remind the practitioner of ethical vows and detachment. - In the Digambar tradition, temple practices are often more austere and some communities emphasize meditation, vows, and studying scriptures; idol worship outside of temple rituals is less emphasized.

• The core Jain view

- The Jain path centers on the purified soul, right faith (samyak darshan), right knowledge, and right conduct. Idols are not seen as gods to be worshiped; they are symbols or aids that help remind us of the perfect qualities to imitate.

• If you’re uncomfortable with murti puja

- You can engage in puja that centers on inner vows, gratitude, and reflection on ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-attachment), and anekantavada (many-sided truth). - Focus on bhava (attitude) rather than ritually appeasing a deity. Use the time for self-discipline, study, and meditation.

• About differences

- Digambar and Shwetambar traditions both honor the Tirthankaras, but their ritual emphasis differs. Neither tradition mandates idol worship as the only legitimate practice; both aim at spiritual realization and ethical living.

If you’d like, I can share a simple, traditional Jain puja outline that centers on inner devotion and ethical vows, without focusing on the idol.