The festival of Paryushana is one of the most important religious observances followed by the Jain community. There are two sects in the Jain community- Svetambara and Digambara each of them refers to the festival differently. The Svetambaras call it Paryushana and Digambaras call it as Daslakshana. It is a very holy event for both the sects of the Jain community and lasts 8 to 10 days. Paryushan or Paryushana Parva 2018 will begin from September 7 and end on Samvatsari, September 14 according to Drik Panchang. The date for the festival is assigned to be the Bhadra shukla chaturthi. Samvatsari 2018: Date, Significance and Greetings of Michhami Dukkadam, The Day of Forgiveness of Jain Community. 

The word Paryusana means 'abiding and coming together.' It is known as the festival of forgiving. It concludes with confession and forgiveness for all the mistakes of the previous year. During the festival, followers take vows of study and fast with intensity. September 2018 Festivals and Holiday Calendar: Krishna Janmashtami to Ganesh Chaturthi, Know All Important Event Dates and List of Hindu Fasts for the Month.

History of Paryushana:

The festival is essentially observed for seeking forgiveness for the sins. Jains indulge in spirituality, observe meditation and offer prayers.  All Jains observe the ten universal virtues. Jains believe in Ratna-Tray, the three jewels of right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct are important facets of their religion. As most of them find it difficult to follow the 10 tenets all throughout the year, they try and follow it in these 10 days of Paryushana.

Significance of Paryushana: 

Paryushana is the festival of reflection in Jainism where Jains seek forgiveness for all their sins. The purpose is to repent for the sins that one has committed. While observing the fasts, the person forgets the bodily needs and pays attention to soul enlightenment. Daily meditation is an important part of the festival as it drives a person to understand and look within, introspect the teachings of Tirthankaras for guidance. Jains take vows that they will not repeat any wrongdoing in the future. The 8 or 10-day festival is a time to reflect upon the past. Each day of this festival is focused on various impure emotions- anger, pride, greed among them.

Fasting rituals:

  • The meditation is called as Pratikramana Samayika which means a person reflects on their own spiritual journey. It is said to reinforce the faith of the devotee. Prayers are offered for universal peace.

  • While observing Paryushana the span of fasting may differ, it could be for a day to a month or even more.

  • The Digambara Jains do not have food or water more than once in a day while they are fasting.

  • The Svtemabara sect has water before sunrise. It is believed that people will seek their energy from the cosmic power, the acceptance and realisation of it is important.

  • The time span for the sects also differ. For Svetambara Jains Paryushana goes on for eight days and for Digambara Jains it is for ten days. It is considered that fasting during this festival can eliminate a bad karma.

  • The Digambaras recite the ten chapters of sacred Jain text- Tattvartha Sutra on these 10 days. The Svetambara Jains recite the Kalpa Sutra, which has a recitation of section on birth of Mahavira on the fifth day.

The Paryushan Parva is celebrated every year with an idea of self-purification. One has to adhere to the ten universal virtues in practical life and they lead on the right path. The ultimate destination is salvation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2018 10:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).