How Do Jain Followers Spend Their Day In A Temple

In this article, of the 'Holy Kitchens of India,' We were at.. 'MAHAVIR STHANAKVASI JAIN SANGH UPASHRAY' in Dombivali.

The followers of Jainism from the 'Svetambara

The followers of Jainism from the 'Svetambara' sect are mainly the devotees here. They follow the preachings of the monks. Fifty-one days prior to 'Paryushan' every year, the devotees observe fast, wherein the only food intake is a single meal every day, at the Upashray. After listening to the preachings of the monks, And chanting of the 'Bhaktamar' strata.

The lunch begins at 12 noon.

The lunch begins at 12 noon. The food is served in a humongous volume. The Holy Jain thali consists of more than 25 dishes. The food cooked here is pure satvik (virtuous) food without onions, garlic, or any other underground vegetables. This practice is followed to prevent injuring small insects and micro-organisms. They believe that by this, plants can be prevented from destruction.

Jivani- Water filtration

It is strictly prohibited drinking impure water in Jainism. In the past, when wells or Baoli were used as a source of drinking water. Water filtering cloth is kept clean by pouring fresh water on it, To return organisms to the original body of water. This practice was termed as 'Jivani' or 'Bilchhavni.' Few devotees also consume tea during lunch, as that is the only hour of food intake for the whole day. Strict Jains avoid cooking or eating after sunset. Because insects are believed to be more attracted to lamps and fires at night. Even fermented food is avoided as it possesses a higher concentration of micro-organisms.

 

Dhokla

'Dhokla'which is considered as a staple food in Gujaratis and Jains, Is also made of freshly made batter over here. And Paneer Is also prepared in the kitchens with more than 30 liters of milk. The preparations for the lunch Begin the early morning at 3 am, Wherein the vegetables are washed and chopped. The Kitchen is cleaned. The ingredients are refilled, and the cooking begins.

The Jain Thali

The Thali includes more than 25 dishes. They are ranging from Muthiya, Which is rolled, steamed, cut, and then mixed in the tempering. Rotis, bhakris, moong dal khichadi, and lot more. The monks come to the eating hall and serve appetizers first. And only after that, the servings begin. Food is prepared for more than 100 devotees every day, which is served without any monetary exchange? The devotees bring their own plates for lunch. And the pangas (group) sits. Even if you're done with your meal, You're not supposed to get up until and unless everyone is done with the meal. Once the meal is done, You have to cleanse it with the water in order to keep it hygenic; mix the leftover and drink the same so that not even a bit of food is wasted.

First, thank god

The Jains believe and practice that when you start eating your food, First, thank God, Then thank the farmer, And then thank them who have prepared the food for you standing in 40-45 of temperature. And here, the day ends. The day ends with the same prayer, By which millions of Jains have enlivened their Faith... 'Jai Jinendra.'