Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 97

CHAPTER - 11
PARYUSHAN PARVA Among the festivals celebrated in Jain religion, Paryushan parva occupies the pride of place. While other festivals are symbolic (Naimittik) occasions, Paryushan parva in a substantive (Nitya) occasion of vital religious significance coming once a year, and Ashtanhikas coming periodically three times in a year. The symbolic festivals include celebration of anniversaries of conception (Garbh kalyanak), birth (Janma kalyanak), renunciation (Diksha kalyanak), attaining omniscience (keval Jnana kalyanak), and salvation (Nirvana kalyanak) of the 24 Tirthankars. Shrut Panchami, Akshaya Tritiya, Jin Shashan day are among other symbolic festivals. By tradition, Paryushan parva is celebrated in Bhadrapad (August-September). The Shwetambar paryushan comes first with duration of eight days from Bhadra Krishna 13 to Bhadra shukla panchami. On the eighth and concluding day Shwetambars observe Samvatsari (day of Forgiveness). On this very day (Bhadra shukla panchami) commences the Digambar paryushan with a duration of ten days. It is popularly called Dasalakshan Parva. The tenth and the concluding day is Anant Chaturdashi. After an interval of a day comes the Kshamavani (Day of Forgiveness). Paryushan is a retreat to one's inner-self. All the days of the parva are dedicated to penance, meditation, self-introspection, worship, study of holy scriptures and strict observance of all religious principles governing one's conduct, The word “Paryusha" means ‘awakening’. Paryushan is, thus, a time for spiritual upliftment and soul purification with intense effort to move towards mental peace, tranquility and equanimity. One looks within and tries to correct wrong perceptions and conduct.
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A Portrait of Jain Religion