________________ recommends total non-violence to the common man or woman like us; however it allows the common man or woman to defend oneself or one's country only when attacked by others. How do Digambaras and Svetambaras perform their Worship (puja) ? Each religion has its own code of conduct which is the essence or the heart of the religion which keeping it alive. There are some essentials prescribed for Jain house-holders. Among these worship of deity (Deva-Puja) is the foremost. Puja is usually performed in the presence of an idol of Seer (Arihanta) by offering some materials (dravya). Sometimes, it can also be performed in the absence of the idol without offeringmaterials. Puja is usually performed in the temple in front of the idol of Seer (Arihanta) but it can also be performed at home with or without the idol. Normally when materials are is offered, it is called Dravya Puja and when it is performed without offering materials, it is called Bhava Puja. Importance of worship (puja) Puja is the most important ritual among the idol-worshipper (Murtipujaka) Jains. Digambara and Svetambara perform puja according to their rituals. Some differences are there but the main aim is same i.e. to destroy their karmas and to attain the liberation (moksha). In Jain religion the Supreme God (Tirthankara) is not the ultimate cause of creation, maintainance and destruction of the world. The Seer neither pleases nor angers. Therefore he neither gives blessings to the worshipper nor punishes anyone out of anger. According to Jain religion Paramatma (Arhanta, Siddha) is the supreme spirit reaching the ultimate state of spiritual evolution by gradual destruction of karma through penance etc. Each atma becomes Paramatma and sustains its individuality. Paramatma has nothing to do with the worldly life. Reason of worship (puja) Why do Jainas worship their Tirthankaras etc? They claim that Tirthankaras are desireless. They are Vitaragi (detached). Worshippers worship them not to fulfill their worldly desires. Worldly desires of the worshipper are automatically fulfilled owing to the destruction of karma. Method of worship (puja) Now we have to discuss how Digambara and Svetambara perform puja? First of all worshippers take bath. After taking bath they go to the temple for puja and put on their special purified clothes which are usually kept in the temples. Before entering the temple one must wash one's hands and feet. Having entered the temple one should ring the bell slowly and utter three times 'Nissihi' (renunciation), three times 'Om' and three times 'Namostu'. Then after the recitation of 'Namokara Mantra' for the three times and bowing before the idol one should make circumvallation (975641) around the altar (vedi) in clockwise direc
