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3.4 ASHTA PRAKÄRI PUJÄ/ASHTA DRAVYA PUJÄ
Jains perform many types of Pujä for various religious and social ceremonies, with each Pujä symbolizing different aspects of the religion. One should understand the meaning and purpose, and reflect upon the proper aspects while performing the Pujä rituals.
In Jain Pujä, we do not offer material to Tirthankars (God) with the desire of getting something in return. The material used is a symbolic representation to acquire virtues and a reflection to improve ourself spiritually.
Dravya Pujä and Bhäva Pujä
Obeisance, worship, and devotion to God are done with different types of materials and with spiritual reflection. Use of these materials and recitation of religious sutras constitutes Dravya Pujä, whereas reflection on a Tirthankar's qualities constitutes Bhäva Pujä. The sutras sung while performing Dravya pujä provide the seed thoughts for Bhäva Pujä. The full benefit to the soul occurs through Bhäva Pujä.
"Ashta" means "eight," "Prakäri" means "types," and "Dravya" means "material." Eight types of materials are used in various Jain Pujäs. Following is the list of materials used in pujäs:
Jal (Water), Chandan (Sandalwood), Pushpa (Flower), Dhoop (Incense), Deepak (Lamp), Akshat (White Rice), Naivedya (Sweet), and Fal (fruits).
In both sects, pujäs are performed with the same eight materials. It is called Ashta Prakäri Pujä by Shvetämbars and Ashta Dravya Pujä by Digambars. In some Digambar sub-sects, flowers and fruits are omitted and cloves, pieces of coconut, and colored rice are used in their place.
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