Glimpses Of World Religions

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Navbharat Sahitya Mandir

Page 72

Jainism
Akshayatruteeya day the sages who had done penance for the whole year do parna and this occasion is celebrated as a festival of sympathatic support. Diwali :
The Jains celebrate the Diwali as a festival of Bhagvana Mahavir’s ‘Nirvana'. During these days the promoting of Laxmiji to the position of Mahalaxmi by giving donations or alms with great joy - such a feeling is implied. Being freed from eight Karmas the torch of light of the soul of Bhagvana Mahavir got merged in the divine light of God. The Shrawakas celebrate that day as sixth paushadh, penance and Japa.
They welcome the New Year as a symbol of the memory of Kevalgyan of Gautam Swami. The 'Labhpanchami' is also called 'Gnanpanchami’ – the worship of knowledge. Parvatithis :
The Shrawakas who cannot observe complete code of conduct, for them Beej, Pancham, Atham, Agiaras are selected as parvatithis. During these days green vegetables, the roots of kund etc. are not to be used – to perform Japa, Tapa, celibacy etc. and they should make special efforts of worshipping. Generally during these days there is more possibility or probability of death; so the wise people have advised to do penance and sacrifice.