YJA Convention 2002 07 NJ Fifth

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 53

Jain Rituals and Prayers
Chirag Shah
ain rituals and prayers are a focal point for all There are birth rituals that include: worshipers. Primary goal of daily rituals is these are
Priyodhbhav Sanskar. This ritual takes place worships with the deep concentration and pure thoughts
after birth of a child. Ten days of cleansing free of violence and harm disperse the accumulated
or Sutak are observed after delivery; in the karmas from the soul.
temple the priest recites mantras and
receives offerings on behalf of the newborn. Some guidelines that Jains follow include:
Namkaran Sanskar. You will learn where the Worship before the Jina murtis
names of boys and girls are selected from Bowing before the murtis Lighting a devo in front of murtis.
The marriage rituals include nine rituals that are
preformed on the same day. Jain marriages are Puja is a regular daily ritual done in the derasar. There simple ceremonies without flaunting of wealth. are three major types of puja:
These rituals range from the confirmation of the date Snatra Puja: This ritual includes the bathing of and time of the marriage to setting the engagement the murti/image is symbolic to the bathing of the to the actual vows taken on the day of the marriage. newborn tirthanakara by the celestial beings. Panch Kalyanak Puja: This puja commemorates Last but not least there are death rituals However the five great events of the Tirthankara's life:
you would assume death to be a time to be sad and conception, birth, renunciation, omnniscence and
somber however Jains believe that the dead sould moksa.
would be reborn immediately. So them death is a Antaraya karma Puja: This puja comprises a
festival or Mahotsav. series of prayers to remove those karmas which obstruct the spiritual uplifting power of the soul.
This is just a small overview of rituals and prayers
associated with Jainism. Let this session be a There are also rituals associated with milestones in a
window to the beginning of how complex yet layperson's life.
methodical our religion is.
notes:
52 Jan Eaucation internationa-ZOTO03
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