________________
Deep (small saffron-colored pieces of coconut/ diya): offered to destroy the darkness of ignorance and false beliefs (Mohandhakar Vinashnaya).
Doop (cloves/sandal dust): offered to destroy all the eight karmas (Astkarma Vindhansanya).
Phal (almond/ coconut) : _offered in the hopes of achieving Nirvana (Moksha Phal Praptaya). Here again, whole almonds or coconut are used to minimize possible violence in offering fresh fruits.
Arghya (a mixture of all eight dravyas): This offering is again to obtain Moksha (Anargh Pad Praptaya). Arghya can be used when one does not have time to do full pooja using all eight dravyas.
Jayamala (Adoration): In this, we recite the virtues of the Tirthankar Bhawan. While reciting his virtues, we are 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 Paath: Essentially wishing peace and happiness for all the living being.
Visharian: This is the conclusion of the pooja. In it we are praying to all of the celestials beings present during the pooja to leave to their respective places and asking for their forgiveness for any mistakes and/or negligence committed during the pooja.
Aarti: of Panch parmesti or Thirthankar is also recited to end the pooja.
Following the Aarti, we may do swadhyaya and meditation. Swadhyaya is also built into the pooja; carefully reciting the pooja can lead to better understanding of the concepts.
The whole purpose of pooja is that by reciting the virtues of the Tirthankar, we also remind ourselves that these same virtues are also possessed by us and that by taking the path of the Tirthankars, we can also achieve Nirvana. By wanting worldly desires, we keep ourselves trapped in the continuous cycle of birth and death.
Page 5 of 49
