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RITUALS AT TEMPLE
Lesson 4-Rituals at Temple
When we go to temple, first we do Pranäm to the Tirthankar (idol). This is a sign of respect to Bhagawän. We bow to them because they lead us on the right path, so one day we will be just like them. When doing Pranäm, we bow our heads down and say prayers like, Stutis.
One small stuti to Bhagawän.
darshanam devadevasya darshanam päpanäshanam darshanam svargasopänam darshanam mokshasädhanam ||
The sight of the idol of the Lord, the God of all gods (Devas), is the destroyer of all sins. It is a step toward the heavens, and is a means to the liberation of the soul.
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Jain Education International
Before doing pujä, we bathe and wear clean clothes. We first do Abhisheka, which is bathing the idol with pure water. We do Abhisheka to make our life simple and pure by cleaning our souls and getting rid of our bad qualities.
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