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Chapter 8
JAINISM AND GOD
AJAY's family went to the Jain temple one Sunday morning. When they reached the temple, they all removed their shoes before going in. They all made a "tilak" on their forehead, with the yellow sandalwood paste that was kept outside.
As they entered the temple they said, "Nisihi" three times. Abhaybhai told the children not to talk or run about in the temple.
In front of them in the temple, there were three murtis seated in the lotus position. The whole family joined their hands and said, "Namo Jinanam" bowing down at the same time. They all went round the central enclosure three times, bowing to the murtis as they saw them.
They burnt some incense and lit the deepak. Abhaybhai then helped Ajay and Neela ring the bell gently.
Next they sat down, and made the following symbols with rice grains on a small wooden table.
The Chaityavandan was next, and during this part Karunaben sang a lovely "stavan".
Ajay and Neela did not understand the ceremony fully, but they copied their parents and did everything quietly.
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