What is the significance of the materials used in Jain pujas?
There are different types of pujas that are performed for various religious and social ceremonies. The following is a list of the 8 most commonly used materials and their meanings: 1. Jala puja (water): Water symbolizes the ocean. Every living being continuously travels through the Life Ocean of birth, life, death and misery. This puja reminds us that one should live life with honesty, truthfulness, love and compassion toward all living beings. This way one will be able to cross the Life Ocean and attain Moksha- liberation. The path of liberation is Samyak Darshan (Right faith), Samyak Gnan (Right knowledge) and Samyak Charitra (Right conduct). 2. Chandan Puja (sandalwood): Chandan symbolizes knowledge (gnan). During this puja, one should reflect on Samyak Gnan (right knowledge). Right knowledge means proper understanding of reality which includes the soul, karma and their relationship. Jainism believes that the Path of Knowledge is the main path to attain liberation. Bhakti or devotio
