Pran Prathishta

By Mr. R. P. Jain

Pran, as all of us know, means life and word Pratishtha is a sanskrit word made of two words - Pra means Pratyaksh (in Person or life) and the word Tishta means (to install). The combined meaning of the words means to establish live image of Veetrag Bhagwan(s) in the temple for spiritual grace and fellowship. In simple words Pran Prathishta means, infusing the life in to an Idol or Pratimaji. Just like a human body has no meaning without a soul in the same way the pratimaji of Tirthankaras are merely a sculptures of stones without its Pran Prathishta being done. Pran Prathishta is done through a detailed ceremony including Abhishek, Poojas and Chanting mantras requesting the Tirthankara to reside inside the pratimaji. We dont have Tirthankaras with us so Pratimaji with Pran Pratishtha are the next best to a Tirthankar in Person. Pratima Ji with Pran Pratishtha is just like a Tirthankar residing in our temple. This is highly auspicious ceremony and can be performed by a qualified Aacharyas only.

How To Stand In Front Of The Pratima Ji - While worshiping or doing darshan of the Pratimaji, men should stand on the right side and women should stand on the left side of the Pratimaji. This id done to observe the courtesy, and to allow others to see (darshan) the Pratimaji.

-----------------------------------------------------

Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
R080212