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What is story behind Daslakshan parv why is it celebrated
Das Lakshan Parva is a very sacred Jain festival, especially in the Digambar tradition. Here is the simple essence and the story behind it, as taught in Jain scriptures and tradition:
- What it means: Das Lakshan Parva, meaning the ten virtues (das lakshan), is a ten-day period focused on cultivating and practicing ten supreme virtues for the purification of the soul. The ten virtues are: supreme forgiveness, supreme humility, supreme honesty, supreme purity, supreme truth, supreme self-control, supreme austerity, supreme renunciation, supreme non-attachment, and supreme celibacy. ( jainknowledge.com)
- Why it is celebrated: It follows Paryushan, the great period of moral and spiritual reflection. During these days Jains engage in fasting, prayer, discourses, and personal repentance (pratikraman), with the goal of purifying the mind and reducing karmic bondage. The culmination is Kshamavani, the day of forgiveness, when people seek forgiveness from all beings for any harm caused, knowingly or unknowingly. This aligns with the Jain aim of atmashuddhi (purification of the soul). ( parliamentofreligions.org, jainheritagecentres.com)
- The traditional story or framing: Historically, the Das Lakshan Parva is presented as a focused, disciplined path within the larger Paryushan observance. Each day center-stages one virtue, shaping conduct and thoughts toward non-violence (ahimsa), truth, restraint, renunciation, and other Jain values. Monks and lay followers come together in temples for discourses and collective practice, reinforcing the Jain ideal of self-purification and spiritual progress. ( jainheritagecentres.com, parliamentofreligions.org)
- Digambar vs. Shwetambar note: In Digambar Jains, Das Lakshan Parva is explicitly observed as a ten-day focus on the ten virtues. In Shwetambar Jains, the broader Paryushan festival is celebrated, and the Das Lakshan concept appears within that period, but the exact scheduling and emphasis can differ between traditions. The core idea—purification through reflection on these virtues—remains shared. ( jainheritagecentres.com)
- When it happens: It is traditionally observed around the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). Digambar Jains complete it after Paryushana; Shwetambar Jains often align with their Paryushan schedule. Exact dates vary by year and tradition. ( jainheritagecentres.com)
