$JES 302 Jain Philosophy Level 3 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 41

GOING TO THE TEMPLE - DIGAMBAR TRADITION
Naivedya Puja Naivedya symbolizes tasty food. In this puja small white pieces of uncolored coconut representing tasty food are offered. It signifies the desire of the person doing puja to be able to reduce or eliminate desire of tasty food (Chuda rog Vinasanaya). The ultimate aim of ones life is to avoid the need for any food at all by attaining nirvän. Again, to avoid the violence involved in the making of sweets, Digambar sect uses pieces of coconut.
Deepak Puja In this pujä, lamp (diya or deepak) is offered to destroy the darkness of ignorance and false beliefs (Mohandhakar Vinashnaya). Most of the time saffron colored pieces of coconuts are used to represent lamp or Deepak. Because the flame of a lamp causes hinsa to the living beings in the air.
Dhup Puja In this pujä, cloves or sandal dust representing dhup is offered to destroy all the eight karmas (Astkarma Vindhansanya).
Fal Pujä In this pujä, shelled almonds or coconut representing fruits are offered. Fruit symbolizes nirvän or Moksha, which is the ultimate goal of every living beings in the universe (Moksha Phal Praptaya). Here again, whole almonds or coconut are used to minimize possible violence involved in offering fresh fruits.
Arghya Puja A mixture of all eight pujä substances (dravyas) is called Arghya. Arghya puja is performed when one does not have time to do full pujä using all eight dravyas separately (Anargh Pad Praptaya).
Jayamala (Adoration): In this ritual, one recites the virtues of the Tirthankar Bhagawän. While reciting his virtues, one is also reminded that our soul possesses similar virtues and is capable of attaining Moksha by getting rid of Karmas (Siddha Swaroopo Hum; Atma so Parmatma)
Shanti Path : Essentially wishing peace and happiness for all the living being by reciting peace prayer (Shanti Path).
Visharjan : This ritual concludes the pujä. In it one prays to all of the celestials beings present during the pujä to return to their respective places and asking for their forgiveness for any mistakes or negligence committed during the Pujä.
Ärti :
Ärti of Panch parmesti or Tirthankar is recited to end the pujä.
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I