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RITUALS
DO7 - Jain Festivals (Parvas) and Celebrations
Bandhan, the sister goes to the brother and ties the Raksha (a sacred thread) wishing him long and happy life; but on this day, the sister invites her brother to her house to show her respect and love for him. 08 Jnän Panchami (Holy day for worshipping knowledge) Jnän Panchami is celebrated on the 5th day of bright half of Kärtik, the first month of the Indian calendar year. This day is designated for the worship of pure knowledge. All religions believe in gaining knowledge, while Jain religion stresses it importance because knowledge is an innate quality of soul. Through right knowledge only, one can follow the right path. On this day, the scriptures, which impart knowledge to the people, are worshipped with devotion by offering Väskshep (sandalwood powder). Jain scriptures are displayed in various religious places. People visit such places and worship these sacred scriptures on this day to seek blessings for the strength to be able to learn continuously. Swadhyay, meditation, and Pratikraman are also carried out on this day. Moreover, the books preserved in the religious libraries are cleaned and refurbished as may be necessary. To pay respect to educational material, notebooks, pens, pencils etc. are offered during Pujä. Efforts are concentrated towards removing jnänävarniya karma. The following song is sung on this day: Samkit Shraddhävantane, Upanue Jnän Prakash, Pranamu Pad Gaj Tehanä, Bhäva Dhari Ulläs. The Jap Pad of 'Aum Rhim Namo Nanassa on rosary bead is performed on the day. As a result, the knowledge obstructing Karmas are destroyed. In past, Vardatt and Gunamanjari had done something against it. So, they had to face the results of their sins. 09 Dev Diwäli or Kartaki Poonam It is the 15th day of the first month - Kartik in the Gujarati calendar, which marks the end of Chaturmäs. After the four months of rainy season (Chäturmäs), Sadhus start vihär and the pilgrimage of Shatrunjay reopens. Thousands of Jains from all over the world go for Tirtha-yatra to Shatrunjay, Mount Girnär in Gujarat, and other Tirtha places where special celebrations are held. Lamps are lit under the moonlit sky and families celebrate the end of the Diwali fortnight. It is said that the meaning of the Shatrunjay is winning over enemies. The pilgrimage of Shatrunjaya is performed to win over the Karma-enemy. So it is said thatEach step on the pious place Shatrunjaya can remove or Destroy Karmas of previous births. Even those who had got Omniscience knowledge can't describe the importance of Shatrunjay. 10 Navpad Oli Twice a year, falling in March/April (Chaitra) and September/October (Ashwin), the nine-day Oli period of semi-fasting called Ayambil is observed by taking only one meal a day of very plain food without any spices, salt, milk, oil, butter, fruits or vegetables. It is observed by meditating upon Navpad comprising of Pancha Paramesthi, Jnan, Darshan, Charitra, and Tapa. The importance of Navpad is preached by the sermons given during these days. King Shripal and Mayanä-sundari were ardent devotees of Navpad. With thorough understanding of the theory of Karma, both exerted their efforts in worshipping Navpad. In doing so, they destroyed bad karma, improved their condition, and ultimately attained liberation. 11 Maun Agiyäras This is the most pious day of the year. It marks the highest number of pious occasions (total 150) such as Birth, Enlightenment, and Nirvana Kalyanaks of several Tirthankars. It falls on the eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Mägashara during November December. A day of complete silence and fasting are observed and meditation is directed towards the Tirthankars whose various Kalyanaks (auspicious life events) fall on this day. Many people live the life of an ascetic by staying at Upäshray (temporary residence of ascetics) on that day. In Bharat Kshetra, it's the anniversary day of Diksha Kalyanak of the 18th Tirthankar - Bhagawan Arnath, Keval-jnän Kalyanak for the 21s' Tirthankar Bhagawan Neminäth and Birth, Diksha and Keval-Jnän
Compendium of Jainism - 2015
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