The Jain Panchang is the traditional Jain calendar used to mark dates, tithis, festivals, fasting days, paryushan, and important religious observances according to Jain tradition.

Main meaning

“Panchang” means five limbs of time calculation:

1. Tithi – lunar day
2. Vaar – weekday
3. Nakshatra – star constellation
4. Yoga – combination of sun and moon positions
5. Karana – half of a lunar day

In Jain practice, the most important among these is usually tithi, because many Jain festivals and fasts are observed according to tithi.

Jain use of the Panchang

The Jain Panchang helps in deciding:

• Fasting days like Ekashana, Ayambil, Upvas
• Important Jain festivals like:

- Paryushan / Das Lakshana - Mahamastakabhishek - Kalyanak days - Jnan Panchami - Navpad Oli

• Religious vows and observances
• Temple rituals and annual events

Jain calendar tradition

Jains generally follow the lunar calendar, but the exact observance can differ by:

• Shwetambar
• Digambar
• Sthanakvasi / Terapanthi traditions
• Regional customs

So, the Jain Panchang is not only a time calendar, but also a spiritual guide for when to observe vows, worship, and austerities in a proper Jain way.

Spiritual importance

In Jain Dharma, time is used for:

• Self-discipline
• Awareness
• Observance of vows
• Progress on the path of liberation

So the Panchang supports samyak achar and religious discipline.

If you want, I can also explain the Jain months, tithis, and major Jain festivals in simple form.