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GOING TO THE TEMPLE - SHVETÄMBAR TRADITION 1. Nissihi (Renunciation) Nissihi means renunciation (giving up). It is said three times in the temple:
The first Nissihi is said while entering the temple to discard all the thoughts relating to worldly affairs (Sansär). Having entered the temple, it is the duty of the laypeople to make sure temple management is running smoothly. One may help to clean the temple. After having taken care of such duties, the second Nissihi is said while entering the actual area of the Jin idol sanctum (Gabhäro); to discard thinking of such things as the cleaning of the temple and its management. The third Nissihi is said right after finishing worship with the physical substances (Dravyapuja) and at the beginning of the internal devotional worship (Bhävapujä/ Chaityavandan).
it is the duty of the daype
2. Pradakshinä (Circumambulation) You circumambulate (go around in a circle) the Jin idols three times, from the left to the right, keeping the Jin idols on your right side. The circumambulations remind you that there are three remedies to overcome attachment and hatred and to attain liberation :
Samyag Darshan (Right Faith) • Samyag Jnän (Right Knowledge) • Samyag Charitra (Right Conduct)
For eternity we have been revolving in the cycle of birth and death. When we obtain these three jewels of our faith in the teachings of the Jin, obtaining knowledge about the self as experienced and explained by the Jin, and instill these teachings into our behavior, our liberation becomes a certainty. We reflect upon these lines as we circumambulate around the idols.
3. Pranam (Salutation) We salute the idols of Tirthankars three times. • The first salutation is offered either when you see the Shikhar, or when you see the
idols of the Tirthankars (usually at the time of entering temple), by placing the folded
hands over the slightly bent forehead and saying Namo Jinänam. • The second salutation is done with folded hands and bowed body as you enter the
sanctum (Gabhäro - place of idols). The third salutation is done while touching the ground with five body parts (2 knees, 2 hands, and the forehead) before performing Chaityavandan / Bhävapujä (internal devotional worshipping). This is called Panchanga-pranipät.
4. Puja (Worship) According to the Shvetämbar tradition, worship is offered in three different ways:
(1) The first worship is called Angapujä. This is done by anointing the different parts of
an idol of Arihanta with water, sandalwood paste, and a flower. (2) The second worship is called Agrapujä, which is done by placing incense, a lamp, rice,
fruit, and sweets in front of idols. (3) The third worship is Bhävapujä, which is done by performing Chaityavandan.
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I
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