Jina Poojan

SR No.: 004558
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Oshwal Associations of The UK
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK
Total Pages: 52
Language: Gujarati, English
Classification: Book_Gujarati, Ritual_text, & Ritual
File Size: 7 MB

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Snätra Pujä is compulsory to be performed daily in the morning in Swetamber temples, whether new or old and may be performed by one individual, two people or many people. If there is no one available at the time for the Snätra Pujä, then the Pujari performs it. Pratimäjis with Prän Pratishthä (are like Tirthankars residing in our temple) also require us to perform Jinpujà daily. It should be noted that Snätra Pujä must be performed prior to any Puja or Poojan.
The ritual bathing of the image (Snätra Pujä) is a symbolic re-enactment of the bathing of the newborn Tirthankars by celestial gods and goddesses (Dev and Devis) over Meru Mountain. Snatra derives from the word "Snan", which means, "to bathe”. A simple symbolic act is to touch one's forehead with the liquid used to bath the idol.
Tirthankar's great Punya (good karmas), during the five great events in their lives known as *PanchKalyanak', have been the contributors of happiness and brightness in the lives of all the beings of the universe, including hellish beings in the Narak (hell). We owe full gratitude and respect to these Tirthankars and perform the ritual to commemorate the five great events of their lives namely (1) Chyavan(Conception) Kalyanak, (2)Janma (Birth) Kalyanak, (3) Diksha(Renunciation) Kalyanak, (4) KevalGnan (Enlightenment) Kalyanak and (5) Nirvana (Moksha) Kalyanak during the Snätra Pujä. Chyavan and Janma Kalyanak are described in depth during the Snätra Pujä. Chyavan Kalyanak and the fourteen dreams' dreamt by the mother are remembered and described. Janma Kalyanak of each of the Tirthankars is celebrated in the manner as was done by the heavenly beings and their king (Indra) on the Meru Mountain, while performing 'Abhishek' (bathing) ceremony. Ashtaprakäri pujäis performed thereafter, followed by Arati and Mangal Deevo. Finally Shanti Kalash is performed for inner and external peace for the four-folded community (Sangh) and everlasting happiness is wished for all living beings in the universe. The spiritual reasons for Snätra Pujä are the following: 1). This is a medium of expressing our respect and devotion towards Jineshwar Bhagwan. “Devotion is the only simple and easy route leading to salvation or imancipation". 2). To grasp or receive virtues of Tirthankar. By politely establishing Jineshwar Bhagwan on the throne and then bathing him, we ought to receive virtues of Tirthankar. This is because since the beginning of time, which has no beginning, we have collected endless particles of filthy thoughts due to passion, snare of world and spite. We want to abolish these passions and spites by continuous shower of virtues of Tirthankar and thereby purifying the soul leading to imancipation (Moksha). Meaning of Snätra Pujä
1. Sarasa Shanti We bow to Shree Jineshwar who is extremely tranquil, fascinating, pious, a coffer of
endless virtues. 2. Kusuma Bharna We remove the flowers of ornaments from the body of Jineshwar and establish the
idol on the throne and anoint him with sweet water. 3. Jinajanma Samayae Those who observe the bathing, by dev and devis, of Shree Jineshwar with golden and diamond pots are considered to be very lucky.
4. Nirmal After anointing with clean and neat water, we put valuable garments and put flowers at the feet of Shree Jineshwar. As the clean water removes the dust and rubbish from our body, the great divine substance oozing from the Jineshwar cleans and removes our bad karmas from our soul.