Digambar Nitya Pooja Patha Samgraha

Author(s): Adinath Jinalaya JCA New York USA
Publisher: Adinath Jinalaya JCA New York USA

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POOJA: What it is!
Performing pooja is a way to recite the virtues of the Teerthankars (the 24 teachers of Jain Dharma in this era) and remind ourselves that we also possess these virtues. (Siddha Swaroopo-ham). Worldly desires and attachments keep us trapped in continuous cycle of birth and dealth in this world, but by following the path of the Teerthankars we can also be freed from the miseries of this world and attain Moksha. Atleast one pooja is considered ESSENTIAL every day without fail.
Each pooja is concluded by reciting an Adoration (the Jaya Mala). In Jaya Mala, we recall the virtues of worshipped object (Teerthankars, Religious events, festivals, spiritual leaders, Jain beliefs, holy lands, etc.). By reciting these virtues, we remind ourselves of the greatness of Jain Dharma, and, that our soul, just as all others, possesses the capacity of attaining Moksha, a goal towards wich we should strive daily.
While there are many poojas dedicated to individual Teerthankars, these are not the only kind of poojas. The foremost of the poojas is Dev-Shastra-Guru Pooja, dedicated to the three most revered religious teachers: Teerthankars (dev), Jain Scriptures (shastra), and Jain saints and monks (guru). Complete faith in these three leads to Samyak Darshan (Perfect Faith) and, ultimately, to Moksha. Thus, this pooja includes all the worshipable objects.
ASHT-DRAVYA All pooja are done with the eight substances (ashta-dravya). These are as under:
1. JAL Jal (pure water) is offered aiming to rid oneself of the cycle of birth, aging and death. Every living being is continuously traveling through the the univers in various forms, repeatedly enduring the miseries of birth and death. Jal reminds us to live life as pure as water in the hopes of one day attaining liberation from this cycle in Moksha. (Janm Jara Mrityu Vinashnay)
2. CHANDAN
The Nav Devta Pooja is dedicated to the nine icons of Jain religion; e.g., the five Par-mesthis - Arihantas, Siddhas, Aachryas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, Jin Dharm (the Jain Dharma), Jin Aagam (Jain Scriptures), Jin Chaitya (idols of Teerthankars) and, Jin Chaitya-lay (Jain Temple). Certain poojas are associated with special occasions, commemorable days or religious festivals. These include: Ashtahnik pooja, Das Lakshan Dharm-Pooja, Kalyanak pooja, Diwali Pooja, Raksha Bandhan Pooja, etc. Some poojas are specifically performed to revise the knowledge of specific sets of principles, teachings, beliefs or basic tenets of Jainism, such as the Ratn-traya Pooja and Solah Karan Pooja); while some poojas intend worships or honor of holy sites of pilgrimage in Jianism (such as the Panch Meru Pooja). Each of these poojas is done at specific times throughout the year and they all help to maintain and re-strengthen our faith in our Dharma.
Chandan (sandal or saffron water) is offered to reduce the suffering that our being endures in this world. It provides a natural cooling effect, proving relief from the worldly anguish. (Sansaar taap vinashnay)
3. AKSHAT Akshat (pure white rice) means terminated, rid of end; like the rice, once removed from its husk, does not give life to another rice grain, once the soul leaves the cycle of birth and death by attaining its purest form, it no more returns to this cycle. Akshat Is offered in the hope of one day attaining the endless bliss of Moksha. (Akshay pad praptaay)
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