Puja (Ashtaprakari Puja) - Jain worship ritual

Ashtaprakari Puja is the traditional Digambar method of worshipping a Tirthankara idol with eight substances (dravyas): water (Jal), sandalwood paste (Chandan), flowers (Pushp), incense (Dhoop), lamp (Deepak), rice (Akshat), sweets (Naivedya), and fruit (Phal). Each dravya symbolises a spiritual aspiration.

Each step of the puja is a reminder of the Tirthankara's virtues and inspires the devotee to cultivate detachment, devotion, and the desire for Moksha.

Also called

अष्टप्रकारी पूजा

Kind of practice

Worship Ritual

Difficulty

Intermediate

When

Morning

Suitable for

Adults

How it is done

1. Jal Puja: Bathe the idol with pure water — symbolises the ocean of rebirth.

2. Chandan Puja: Apply sandalwood paste — for coolness from worldly passions.

3. Pushp Puja: Offer flowers — aspiration for right conduct.

4. Dhoop Puja: Burn incense — destruction of karmic matter.

5. Deepak Puja: Light a lamp — for the light of right knowledge.

6. Akshat Puja: Offer rice — aspiration for liberation.

7. Naivedya Puja: Offer sweets — symbolises freedom from hunger.

8. Phal Puja: Offer fruits — ultimate fruit of liberation.

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