Abhishek - Jain worship ritual

Abhishek is the sacred bathing or anointing of the Tirthankara's idol, commonly performed as the first act of morning worship in Digambar temples. Devotees pour water, milk, and saffron-scented liquids over the idol while chanting sacred verses. The Mahamastakabhisheka of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola — held every 12 years — is the grandest form.

Abhishek symbolises the washing away of karmic impurities and devotion to the Tirthankara's teachings.

Also called

अभिषेक

Kind of practice

Worship Ritual

Difficulty

Beginner

When

Morning

Suitable for

All

How it is done

1. Prepare sacred liquids: water, milk, sandalwood paste water.

2. Stand before the idol with devotion.

3. Pour the liquid gently over the idol while chanting.

4. Wipe the idol and apply tilak with sandalwood paste.

More on JainLok: Sadhana