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There are five landmarks in the life of a Jineshwar. 1. Conception 2. Birth 3. Initiation 4. Keval Gyan (supreme knowledge) 5. Nirvana (Liberation).
In this celebration, Muniji is praising the Jineshwar while doing Prakshal (bathing) and offering fragrant flowers, rejoicing the birth with other angels, demons and the devils. He is describing the excitement, joy and happiness felt in all the lokas (universe).
By performing this puja, all the Jains are also rejoicing in this celebration as it was felt then.
Murti Sthapana (Coronation) For The Puja
Everyone taking part in the puja ceremony are to use an eight fold Seva Rumal(handkerchief) to cover the nose and the mouth. They are to wear clean Puja clothes. Rest of the members participate in singing the praises of Jineshwars.
1. The Sinhasan (altar) is placed preferably facing the east or the north. 2. Place one Bajoth (low stool in front of the Sinhasan. 3. In the middle of the Bajoth, make a swastik with chokha (rice). 4. Place a shreefal (coconut) under the altar. 5. Tie the Nadachhadi (Red String) around four Kalash (water jugs). Fill them with water 6. In the middle of the Sinahsan, make a Kesar (saffron) swastik, place some rice and a silver
coin on it. 7. Recite three Navakar and place the Bhagavan Murti on the swastik. 8. In front of the murti, make a kesar Swastik and place The Siddhachakra. 9. On the right side of the Murti, light the divo(lamp) at the height of the nose of the Bhagavan. 10. Tie the Nadachadi on the wrist of all the devotees taking part in the ceremony. 11. With Kalash in both hands, recite three Navakars and do the Prakshal (bathe the Murti with
milky water) and also do the Prakshal on the siddhachakra. 12. Brush the Murti with Valakunchi (soft brush) to clean the Kesar from the previous Puja. 13. Do the Jal (water) Puja. Place the Murti in another plate. 14. With three different Angluchhana (soft white clothes), dry the Murti and siddhachakra. Wipe
the altar with a dry cloth. 15. Make a kesar swastik in the center, recite three navakar and place the murti and siddhachakra back. 16. Do the Kesar Puja. 17. Stand with the Thal (plate) of Kusumanjali (Kesar, Rice and Flowers) and kalash in both
hands. 18.Recite the Navakar Mantra three times and begin the Puja Vidhi.
NAVAKAR MANTRA
Namo Arihantanam
1
I bow to the ARIHANTs who have conquered over passions such as anger, pride, intrigue, greed etc.
Namo Siddhanam
2
I bow to the SIDDHAs who have achieved complete liberation from the cycles of birth and death by getting rid of all the karmas.
Namo Ayariyanam
3
I bow to the ACHARYAs who practice self control and self sacrifice and who are the religious leaders of the four fold congregation.
