________________
My TEMPLE
Next we see the peaceful idol (Murti) of Tirthankar Bhagawan. An idol is like a mirror, which reflects our ideals. The idol represents Jina, who has reached the highest state of life and tells us that we are capable of adding supreme love and kindness to our lives as well. When we see the idol we should bow
down and recite Stutis. Then we go around the idol three times and also bow down three times by touching our head on the floor.
Most idols are sitting in the lotus posture. The lotus posture represents purity even in worldly life, just as a lotus grows beautifully in muddy water and shows no effects of
the mud.
A
on special occasions, the idols are decorated with flowers, precious gems, jewelry, and other materials in a process called Ängi. This is one more way to express our love and devotion to Arihanta Bhagawän.
28
JAINISM I - BASICS OF JAINISM
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
