Jain Temple

ॐ णमो अरिहन्ताणं , ॐ णमो सिद्धाणं

ॐ णमो आयरियाणं , ॐ णमो उवज्झायाणं

णमो लोए सव्व साहुणं

एसो पंच णमुक्करो , सव्व पावप्पणासणो

मंगलाणं च सव्वेसिं , पढ़मम् हवइ मंगलम्

Om Namo arihantANam, Om Namo siddhANam

Om Namo AyariyANam, Om Namo uvajjhAyANam

Namo loye savva sAhuNam

eso panch NamukkAro, savva pAvappaNAsaNo

mangalANam cha savvesinh, paDHamam havai mangalam

Mahamangal Namokar Mantra: I offer my reverence to Arihants-supreme human beings who have achieved absolute truth, to Siddhas-the liberated souls who have achieved absolute perception, knowledge and bliss, to Acharyas-who preach the principles of religion to their congregations, to Upadhyayas-who study and spread the words of Arihants and Siddhas, and to all the Sadhus who spread the religion among laymen for the enlightenment of all. This five-fold reverence mantra destroys all demerits, and of all auspicious recitations is the first and foremost.

Manifestation

The Jain religion states that there are 24 Tirthankars (teachers) in this era. According to Jain philosophy, all 24 Tirthankars were born as human beings and attained a state of perfect enlightenment through meditation and self-realization.

Physical Attributes

The murti (idol) represents the qualities of a Tirthankara; but does not represent a physical body. Hence, the murtis of all the Tirthankars are similar in appearance. Each Tirthankara has a unique emblem or symbol (Lanchhan) that distinguishes itself from the others.

  • On the right – Tirthankara Adinath Ji: The 1st Tirthankara with the emblem of a bull, sitting with his eyes open (Swetamber tradition).
  • In the center – Tirthankara Parshvanath Ji: The 23rd Tirthankara with the emblem of a serpent, sitting with his eyes open (Swetambar tradition).
  • On the left – Tirthankara Mahavir Swami: The 24th Tirthankara with the emblem of lion, sitting in meditation (Digambar tradition).


Qualities

The murti of a Jina (Tirthankara) sitting in either a lotus position or standing straight illustrates the deepest form of meditation. Focusing on the eyes and face should help bring internal peace

Eight Attributes:

  • Infinite Knowledge
  • Infinite Perception
  • Perfect Conduct
  • Infinite Energy
  • Eternal Happiness
  • Immortality
  • Formlessness
  • Equality


Ways of Worship and Types of Devotees

The reason to pray with any of the Tirthankars in mind is to reflect on their positive qualities, such as freedom from attachment (raag) and aversion (dwesh)-Vitaragatva.

There are two types of devotion: external (dravya) and internal (bhava).

  • External: Performing pooja with items such as water, rice, flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, lamp, etc.
  • Internal: Singing bhajans, reciting sutras, etc.
    • Namutthunam Sutra praises the qualities and virtues of the Tirthankara.
    • Logassa Sutra worships all 24 Tirthankars by name.
    • Jaya Viyaraya Sutra is a devotional prayer to Tirthankara.

These prayers inspire a devotee to practice these ideals in their own life to attain the ultimate goal of nirvana/moksha.


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According to the Jain scriptures, all the Tirthankars were born as human beings, attained Keval Gyan (absolute knowledge) and destroyed all the karmas before attaining liberation.


Regions most worshiped

Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Bihar, major cities in the USA, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Singapore and East Africa.

Major Festivals

  • Gnan Panchami (Day of knowledge)
  • Mahavir Janam Kalyanak
  • Paryushan Maha Parve and Forgiveness (8-day festival)
  • Das Lakshan and Forgiveness (10-day festival)
  • Akshaya Tritiya (Breaking of the annual fast)
  • Mahavir Nirvana Day (Deepavali)


Fascinating Facts

  • Jainism is one of the most ancient religions of India.
  • Its major tenants are: Ahimsa (Nonviolence), Anekant (multiple-sided perception) and Aparigrah (control over desires).
  • Ahimsa is preached to be in thoughts, words, actions and towards all living beings, including plants and animals.
  • Followers of Jainism are vegetarian. They believe that all living beings are sacred and have a right to live.


Other Names

It used to be known as “Chaturyami” Dharma around 900 BC.

During Bhagwan Mahavir’s time, it was known as “Niganth” (without any bondage or knot).


Popular/Well-known Prayers

  • Navkar Maha Mantra
  • Ratnakar Sutra
  • Uvassaggaharam Sutra
  • Namutthunam Sutra
  • Jai Viyaraya Sutra
  • Laghu Shanti Stava
  • Bruhat Shanti Sutra
  • Bhaktamar Strotra
  • Sat Lakh Sutra
  • Adhar Papsthanak Sutra
  • Khamemi Sutra (Forgiveness)