Jainism

Author(s): N R Guseva
Publisher: Sindu Publications P L

Page 81

PHILOSOPHICAL & RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES 67
siddhachakra-which is taken twice in a year--in spring and in autumn-solemnly to the river and back.
2. Festival of Mahavir Jayanti-The birth anniversary of Mahavir is celebrated on the 13th day of the first half of Chaitra (March-April). Both the Digambaras and Shvetam.baras celebrate the birth anniversary.
3. Jina-panchami (by Shvetambaras and Digambaras in October-November) or Shruta-panchami (by Digambaras in May-June) is the festival of holy books, when worship of these books takes place. They are decorated with flowers.
4. Virashasana jayanti (only the Digambaras observe this) the day of the first preaching by Mahavir after securing enlightenment (in July-August).
The following fasts are observed:
1. Paryushana—strict ten days' fast in August-September (by the Digambaras) or eight days' fast (by the Shvetambaras). It is accompanied by prayers, processions and worship of holy books.
2. Ashtanhika—(only by the Digambaras) three times in a year.
3. Fast of four full-moon nights in the year (when Slivetambaras illuminate their temples).
4. Both the sects also observe fasts (which are not very strict) on the 4th, 8th, 12th days of every month.
From the Hindu festivals Jains observe the following:
1. Divali-the autumn festival of lights which the Jains regard as the day of achievement of Moksha i.e. full liberation, by Mahavir.
2. Rakshabandhan—the day by the end of July, when the sister ties a special lace-amulet on the wrist of brothers. The Jains regard this day as a festival of mutual friendship and amity.
3. Ganesh Chaturthi-day of the god Ganesh is observed only in Maharashtra and Mysore, where the Hindus celebrate it very solemnly).
4. Anant Chaturdasi—the day of reverence to the great