Paryushan parva is celebrated by Jains every year in the month of Bhadrapad (August-September). It is considered as an auspicious and sacred time to deepen spiritual consciousness.
Paryushan parva is a eight day festival. In Hindu calender Paryushan parva extends from 5th day to 14th day of the Shukla paksha (bright fortnight) of the month.
Jains celebrate paryushan parva with fasting, reading the scriptures and observing silence. All rungs of jain community participate with full vigor and enthusiasm. They go to mathas and honor the association of monks. Some observe strict fasting from food and water for more than one week.
The festival ordains the Jains to observe the five universal supreme virtues in daily practical life.
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Paryushan Parva I bow to the Arahants, the perfected human beings.
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I bow to the Siddhas, liberated bodiless souls.
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I bow to the Acharyas, the masters and heads of congregations.
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I bow to the Upadhyayas, the spiritual teachers.
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I bow to the spiritual practitioners in the universe,Sadhus.
This fivefold obeisance mantra destroys all sins and obstacles. Spiritual and religious discourses are held where the glories of Lord Mahavir are narrated. They chant the Namokar mantra everyday. Among all this, forgiveness (Michami Dukhadam) is the most important aspect of the celebrations. At the end of fasting, the believers ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings or violence they may have done in previous year. These celebrations bring harmony in the community and all abide by the motto “Live and Let Live.”
Pratikraman is a practice of confession and repentance and can be done in many different ways. It can be performed at any time but is specifically done on the last day of Paryushan Parv celebration.
