Non-image worshipDraft overviewNon-image worshipNon-image worship (also called *nirākāra pūjā*, *amūrta pūjā*, or *nirguṇa upāsanā* in various Jain contexts) refers to devotional practices that do not involve physical icons, statues, or pictorial representations of th… (also called nirākāra upāsanā or nirguṇa bhaktiDraft overviewBhaktiIn Jain traditions, **bhakti** refers to reverential devotion expressed toward the Tirthankaras, liberated beings (siddhas), enlightened teachers, scriptures, and ethical ideals. Unlike the theistic bhakti of many South … in broader Indic discourse) refers to strands of Jain devotional practice that do not employ anthropomorphic or iconic representations of the Tirthankaras. Within Jainism, this mode is most strongly associated with the Sthānakavāsī and Terāpanth Śvetāmbara traditions, though Digambara and Mūrtipūjaka sources also preserve non-iconic contemplative practices. The emphasis is on internalization of the qualities of the Jinas—such as ahiṃsā, saṃyama, aparigrahaDraft overviewAparigrahaAparigraha, usually translated as non-attachment or non-possession, is one of the central ethical and spiritual principles of Jainism. It appears both as a major vow (mahāvrata) for ascetics and as a minor or limited vow…, and kevala-jñāna—rather than on physical images or temple rituals.
Historically, non-image worshipDraft overviewNon-image worshipNon-image worship (also called *nirākāra pūjā*, *amūrta pūjā*, or *nirguṇa upāsanā* in various Jain contexts) refers to devotional practices that do not involve physical icons, statues, or pictorial representations of th… emerges from reformist movements between the 15th and 18th centuries CE, which critiqued ritual excess, temple wealth, and the perceived risk of attachmentDraft overviewAttachmentIn Jain philosophical vocabulary, “attachment” is most precisely discussed under the terms *rāga* (passionate attraction), *parigraha* (possessiveness), and *moha* (delusion‑based clinging). These concepts appear across … to material forms. These movements advocated meditation on scriptural passages, recitationDraft overviewRecitationIn Jain traditions, **recitation** (often expressed through terms such as *paṭhana*, *svādhyāya*, *japa*, and *stavan*) refers to the disciplined vocal or mental repetition of sacred texts, names, mantras, and doctrinal … of canonical sutras, ethical discipline, and communal studyDraft overviewStudyIn Jain traditions, “study” (śruta‑adhyayana) refers to the disciplined engagement with scriptures, commentaries, and ethical teachings as a core component of right knowledge (samyag‑jñāna). Across Digambara and Śvetāmba… as the primary modes of devotion. The practice is grounded in early canonical ideals that prioritize mental worship (bhāva-pūjā) over physical offeringsDraft overviewOfferingsIn Jain traditions, “offerings” (often expressed through terms such as *dravya-pūjā*, *āhāra*, *naivedya*, *puṣpa*, and *dīpa*) refer to symbolic acts performed by lay followers to express reverence, cultivate humility, … (dravyaDraft overviewDravyaIn Jain philosophy, **dravya** refers to the fundamental ontological category of “substance,” the basic building block of reality. Jain thinkers describe the universe as beginningless, eternal, and composed of six distin…-pūjā), though interpretations differ across traditions.
In non-image worshipDraft overviewNon-image worshipNon-image worship (also called *nirākāra pūjā*, *amūrta pūjā*, or *nirguṇa upāsanā* in various Jain contexts) refers to devotional practices that do not involve physical icons, statues, or pictorial representations of th…, the central objects of reverence are virtues, vows, and the liberated state rather than physical icons. Practitioners may gather in upāśrayas or sabhas rather than temples, engage in sāmāyika, pratikramaṇa, and svādhyāya, and recite texts such as the Namaskāra Mahāmantra, Sāmāyika Sūtra, and Pratikramaṇa Sūtra. The focus remains on cultivating inner transformation, reducing passions, and aligning conduct with the path of liberation. While distinct from image-based worship, non-image worshipDraft overviewNon-image worshipNon-image worship (also called *nirākāra pūjā*, *amūrta pūjā*, or *nirguṇa upāsanā* in various Jain contexts) refers to devotional practices that do not involve physical icons, statues, or pictorial representations of th… is not anti-devotional; it is a disciplined, text-centered, and introspective mode of Jain religious life.
Scholars note that non-image worshipDraft overviewNon-image worshipNon-image worship (also called *nirākāra pūjā*, *amūrta pūjā*, or *nirguṇa upāsanā* in various Jain contexts) refers to devotional practices that do not involve physical icons, statues, or pictorial representations of th… should not be understood as a rejection of Tirthankaras themselves but as a reinterpretation of how best to honor them. Traditions differ on scriptural authorityDraft overviewScriptural authorityIn Jain traditions, “scriptural authority” (śruta-pramāṇa) refers to the status, reliability, and interpretive weight of canonical and post-canonical texts used to understand the path to liberation. Jainism maintains a l…, historical lineage, and ritual practice, but all agree that devotion must ultimately support ethical purification and progress toward mokṣa. The diversity of Jain worship forms—iconic and non-iconic—reflects the religion’s long-standing emphasis on plural perspectives (anekāntavāda) and the adaptability of devotional expression within the bounds of non-violence and self-restraint.