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९० : श्रमण, वर्ष ६२, अंक ३ / जुलाई-सितम्बर - २०११ Reason of worship (pūjā) Why do Jainas worship their Tirthankaras etc? They claim that Tīrthankaras are desireless. They are Vītarāgi (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 (pūjā) Now we have to discuss how Digambara and Svetāmbara perform pūjā? First of all worshippers take bath. After taking bath they go to the temple for pūjā 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 'Namoasiu'. Then after the recitation of 'Namokara Mantra' for the three times and bowing before the idol one should make circumvallation around the altar (vedi) in clockwise direction. Idol worshippers of both the Jaina sects (Digambara and Svetāmbara) perform their pūjās. Though their methods of pūjā differ to some extent yet their aim is the similar. In both traditions pūjā is the most important ritual. According to Svetāmbara tradition worship is offered in three different ways(1) First worship is called Anga-Pūjā, this is done by anointing for different path of an idol or Arihanta with water, sandal wood and flowers. (2) Second worship is called Agra-Pūjā, which is done by placing, incense, lamp, rice, fruits and sweets in front of idols. (3) Third worship is Bhāvapūjā, which is done by Caitya Vandanā. Note : The first and second worships are called Draya Pūjā (Material Worship). These two pūjās collectively together are called
