Jain Prayers

Author(s): Sima Sheth, Vastupal Parikh, Anne Vallely, Prakash Mody
Publisher: Prakash Mody

Page 29

Jain Festivals Paryushan Parva
Paryushan Parva is the most important festival of Jains. During that eight-day period, many Jains fast and carry out religious activities. Paryushan Parva falls during the months of August and/or September. The word Paryushan is derived from two words meaning, 'Resorting to all round spiritual pursuit', and Parva means celebration. It is a period of repentance for the acts during the year and of austerities to help shed the accumulated karmas.
The eighth day known as Samvatsari, is the most important. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from family, friends and foes alike for any act that may have hurt them during the previous year. They also forgive all. It is also a day when all those who have observed fasts are honored.
Das Lakshana (Ten Attributes)
The ten-day celebration of the Digambar sect starts immediately after eight-day Paryushan Parva of Shwetambar sect. It is celebrated by more intense practice of ten cardinal attributes viz. forgiveness, simplicity, humility, contentment, truthfulness, self-restraint, austerities, detachment, non-possession and continence. During this period, the offender asks for forgiveness from those whom he has ever offended on some occasion or the other. During this time, lost friendship or feelings are thus restored.
Mahavir Jayanti or Janma Kalyanak
(Birthday Celebration)
The festival to commemorate the birth of Tirthankar Mahavir is called Mahavir Jayanti. It occurs on the 13th day of the sixth month of Indian calendar and usually falls in March or April. Jains get together to read the life and mission of Lord Mahavir and to listen to his teachings.
Book of Jain Prayers