Cult Image - Jainism

Jainism

The focus for image worship among many Jains is the icon of the Tirthankara in either a domestic shrine or temple shrine room. Jainist doctrine holds that Tirthankaras cannot respond to such worship, but that veneration of the image can function as a meditative aid. Although most worship takes the form of prayers, hymns and recitations, the idol is sometimes ritually bathed, and often has offerings of made to it; there are eight kinds of offering representing the eight karmas of Jainism."Hansa sutaria" (Doc), Jain rituals & ceremonies, Jaina, http://www.jaina.org/educationcommittee/education_material/C15_Jain_Rituals_and_Holidays/Jain%20Rituals%20and%20Ceremonies%20-%20%20Hansa%20Sutaria.doc.

This form of reverence is not a central tenet of the faith, and there seems to be debate about the value of this form of worship.

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