How to do Puja

(CHANDAN PUJA)

NAV-ANGA PUJA

This Pujä involves pujä of nine limbs with chandan (sandalwood) and water paste; and pujä of each limb is associated with a particular spiritual aspiration, mantra and intention.

THE NINE POINTS

(WITH THEIR MANTRA TO RECITE) (SVETAMBAR TRADITION)

  • Right Toe, Left Toe: Namo Arihantänarm
  • Right Knee, Left Knee: Namo Siddhänam
  • Right center of Arm, Left Arm: Namo Äyariyänam
  • Right Shoulder, Left Shoulder: Namo Uvajjhäyänam
  • Top of Head (center): Namo Loe Savvasähünam
  • Center of Forehead: Eso Pancha Namukkäro
  • Center of Throat: Savvapävappanäsano
  • Center of Chest: Mangalä Nam Cha Savve Sim
  • Navel: Padhamam Havai Mangala Mehta

SIGNIFICANCE OF EACH ANGA

Toes : Oh! Arihanta, you traveled great distances by foot to preach to the ignorant souls and to show them the right path of life. I therefore worship your feet. I wish for that kind of strength so that I can also bring righteousness to others and myself.

Knees : With the help of these knees you stood motionless in meditation for days and achieved omniscience. By worshipping your knees I wish to find the strength to meditate.

Forearm : Even though you had all the amenities and riches, you gave away everything with these hands, to realize your true self and to show the right path to mankind. All living beings were safe at your hands, as you promised them safety. By worshipping your forearm, I wish I do not get attached to material wealth, and I promise nonviolence towards all living beings.

Shoulders : Even though you possessed the strength, you never misused it and never had pride. Your strength also carried the burden of saving others. Likewise, I wish I never become proud and I am able to carry responsibilities.

Head : Bhagawän, you were always absorbed in self-realization and in the betterment of all living beings. I wish to have the ability to think about the wellbeing of others. Siddha-shilä is located on the top of the universe. By worshipping the head, I wish to reach Siddha-shilä.

Forehead : The Tirthankar radiates unconditional compassion and love to all living beings of the three worlds and hence all the three worlds pray to the Tirthankar. You are the crown jewel of three worlds. You were able to endure pleasure and pain equally. Worshipping your forehead will bring such good qualities to me.

Throat : With your soothing and sweet sermon, you touched so many lives and helped them to realize their own true nature. Let my speech work for the good of others.

Heart : Oh! Vitaräga Bhagawän! Your heart is full of amity, compassion, and mercy. Likewise, I wish my heart be full of these virtues.

Navel : The navel is the center of concentration of the mind during meditation. I wish to attain the highest form of meditation to realize the self, as you did. I wish for that strength by worshipping your navel.

SPIRITUAL ASPIRATION OF EACH ANGA PUJA

  • Two toes of the feet (symbolizes the preservation of the energy – Viryarakshä)
  • Two knees (symbolizes self-efforts & self-initiatives – Swädhinatä)
  • Two wrists (symbolizes donation, good deeds)
  • The shoulders (symbolizes absence of ego and mighty shoulders that swam thru the ocean of misery), (5) the head (symbolizes moksha)
  • The forehead (symbolizes third eye, inner eye to the self)
  • The throat (symbolizes the most auspicious speech)
  • The chest (symbolizes purity of heart by eradication of attachment and aversion)
  • Center of Chest: Mangalä Nam Cha Savve Sim
  • The naval (symbolizes three jewels – perfect perception, perfect knowledge and perfect conduct)

NOTES TO ATTACHED ILLUSTRATION

  • Right and Left sides mentioned here are of the idol or Murti and not of the person doing puja
  •  Right Toe is on the opposite side the Right Knee, Arm and Shoulder of the idol
  •  Do not put Chandan on the palm or any other body parts of the idol
  • Use the ring finger of the right hand for chandan puja. The finger nail should not touch the idol.

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