3rd day of Paryushan Parva (Paryushan Mahaparva)

• What it means (arth): On the 3rd day, the emphasis is on purifying the mind and body through penance and self-discipline. The aim is to strengthen inner tamas and pravrutti through sacrifice of comforts and restraint, so that the soul can shine with more pure conduct and thoughts.

• Common practices on the 3rd day:

- Athav Upvas (fast or partial fast) as a form of self-control and purification. - Pratikraman (ritual confession and repentance) in the morning and/or evening. - Stavan, bhajan, or discourses that focus on virtuous living and non-violence. - Reflection on one’s duties, truthfulness, and non-violence, with an emphasis on reducing passions and attachments. - Some communities begin or continue with readings or discourses tied to Ashtak (Ashtā́lika) or other Jain scriptures, depending on local tradition.

• Digambar vs. Shwetambar differences (summary):

- Digambar and Shwetambar communities both observe eight-day Paryushan with similar aims (purification, forgiveness, self-restraint). The exact sequence of readings and the emphasis of certain rites (e.g., when Kalpasutra is read, or how Pratikraman is organized) can vary by sangh and region. - The general spirit on the 3rd day remains the same: increasing self-discipline and mental purification through penance and contemplation.

If you’d like, I can summarize a typical 3rd-day schedule from a specific sangh (e.g., Shwetambar or Digambar) or point you to a JainKnowledge resource that describes the day-by-day plan.