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जिज्ञासा और समाधान
Question .Why do Digambaras and Śvetāmbaras perform their worship (pūjā) and how ?
Christopher Fleming, Fullbright Scholar (U.S.A.)
Answer. Each religion has its own code of conduct which is the essence or the heart of the religion keeping it alive. There are some essentials prescribed for Jaina house-holders. Among these worship of deity (Deva-Pūjā) is the foremost. Pūjā 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 materials. Pūjā 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 material is offered, it is called Dravya Pūjā and when it is performed without offering materials, it is called Bhāva Pūjā. Importance of worship (pūjā)
Pūjā is the most important ritual among the idol-worshipper (Mūrtipūjaka) Jainas. Digambara and Svetambara perform pūjā 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 (mokṣa).
In Jaina 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 Jaina religion Paramātmā (Arhanta, Siddha) is the supreme spirit reaching the ultimate state of spiritual evolution by gradual destruction of karma through penance etc. Each Atmā becomes Paramātmā and sustains its individuality. Paramātmā has nothing to do with the worldly life.
