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ASHTA-PRAKÄRI PUJÄ
2.0 Ashta-prakäri Puja (Worship) Tirthankar Bhagawan's Pujä or worship is done by offering various types of materials, reciting various sutras, and with spiritual reflection. In pujä, we should not offer material to Tirthankars with the desire of getting something in return but its only purpose should be simply to strengthen our internal devotional thought process. Jain Pujas are classified into following categories: Dravya-puja Tirthankar Bhagawan's Dravya-puja is done by offering certain material objects and reciting various sutras. There are two sub-categories of Dravya-pujä Anga-puja Anga-puja is done by anointing the different parts of an idol of Tirthankar with water, sandalwood paste, and a flower along with recitation of appropriate sutra. Agra-puja Agra-puja is done by placing incense stick (dhoop), a lamp, rice, fruit, and sweets in front of idols along with the recitation of appropriate sutra. Bhäva-pujä The reflection on the qualities of Tirthankar constitute Bhävapuja. This puja is done by performing Chaitya-vandan where we reflect upon the qualities of the Tirthankara. The sutras recited while performing Dravya Pujä provide the thoughts for Bhäva Pujä. The associated outside activities are simply to strengthen the internal devotional thought process. The full benefit to enhance the spirituality of soul occurs through Bhäva Pujä. Pujä Materials The materials such as flowers, water, lamp, and fruits used in pujä involve some violence to one-sense living beings. Hence, Jain ascetics who live totally nonviolent lives and do
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JAIN PUJA BOOK