Rituals & Worship in Jainism

Jain worship raises an obvious question: if Tirthankaras are liberated and grant nothing, what is the point of worshipping them?

The tradition's answer is that the rite works on the worshipper. Puja, abhisheka - the ceremonial bathing of the image - and the recitation of the Navkar Mantra are understood as practices of purification and remembrance, in which holding the qualities of a liberated soul in mind reshapes the mind doing the holding. The Navkar Mantra is accordingly addressed to five categories of spiritual attainment rather than to any named individual, and asks for nothing. Alongside temple ritual sit the domestic and communal rites - samayika, pratikraman and the observances of the festival calendar.

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In-depth guides

  • Pratikraman — 'Turning back' - the structured self-review at the centre of Jain practice, performed daily by some and once a year by many.
  • Jain Festival Calendar 2026 — Every major date in the Jain year, with what each observance is for. Updated from the panchang each year.