Paryushana: Jain Festival of Forgiveness & Purification

Discover Paryushana, the Jain festival of forgiveness and self-purification. Learn its practices, significance, and how it inspires spiritual growth.

Paryushana: The Festival of Forgiveness

Paryushana

The Jain Festival of Forgiveness and Self-Purification

What is Paryushana?

Paryushana Parva is the most important annual festival for Jains, a time for self-analysis, introspection, and purification of the soul. Lasting for eight or ten days, it is a period dedicated to detaching from worldly affairs and focusing on spiritual upliftment through fasting, meditation, and seeking forgiveness.

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Abiding in the Self

The word "Paryushana" means "to abide" or "come together." It signifies a time to live close to one's own soul and reflect on the eternal truths.

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Festival Timing

It is observed annually during the monsoon season, typically in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August or September).

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The Goal: Purification

The ultimate purpose is to shed accumulated karmas by practicing austerity, studying scriptures, and cultivating a state of forgiveness.

The Eight Days of Spiritual Discipline

Paryushana is an eight-day observance (for Svetambara Jains; ten for Digambara Jains) focused on deepening one's understanding and practice of the core Jain principles.

Days 1-3: Early Days of Austerity

The initial days are focused on settling the mind and beginning various forms of fasting. Devotees increase their time spent in prayer and meditation, detaching from routine life.

Days 4-7: Listening to the Kalpa Sutra

A significant part of the festival involves listening to discourses on the Kalpa Sutra, a scripture that recounts the life of Lord Mahavir, particularly the story of his birth, which is read on the fifth day.

Day 8: Samvatsari - The Culmination

The final and most important day of Paryushana. Many Jains observe a complete fast. The day is spent in prayer and performing the essential rite of Pratikraman to repent for the year's sins.

Core Practices of Paryushana

The festival is defined by several key practices that help individuals purify their consciousness and strengthen their spiritual resolve.

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Fasting (Upvas)

Fasting is a central practice, ranging from eating only once a day to complete fasting without food or water for one or more days.

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Pratikraman

A ritual of repentance where devotees reflect on their non-virtuous activities, express remorse, and resolve not to repeat them.

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Swadhyaya

The study of scriptures and listening to sermons from monks and nuns to gain deeper insight into the Jain philosophy.

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Kshamavani

The day after Samvatsari is Forgiveness Day, where Jains seek forgiveness from all living beings for any harm caused, knowingly or unknowingly.

The Essence of Forgiveness: Kshamavani

The most profound aspect of Paryushana is the practice of universal forgiveness. It is the cornerstone of the festival's conclusion, embodying the principle of Ahimsa in its highest form.

Micchami Dukkadam

On Kshamavani, Jains greet each other with this ancient Prakrit phrase. It translates to:

"If I have caused you offence in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or deed, then I seek your forgiveness."

This is not just a formality; it is a heartfelt request to cleanse the soul of all anger, pride, and resentment, fostering a state of universal love and compassion.

A Taste of Austerity

During Paryushana, food is consumed with mindfulness and restraint. Many Jains practice various forms of fasting to exercise self-control and purify the body. The chart below shows different levels of fasting commonly observed.