What is Das Lakshan in Jainism? And when is Das Lakshan in 2026 and 2027. Explain in details
Answer
Das Lakshan Parva, also called Dashalakshana Parva, is the 10-day observance of the Digambara Jain tradition. It focuses on the ten supreme virtues of the soul, and Jain sources describe it as the Digambara form of Paryushana. ( jainworld.jainworld.com)
Explanation
The word “Das Lakshan” refers to the ten spiritual qualities that Jains try to cultivate during these days. The observance is meant for inner purification through fasting, prayer, self-discipline, scriptural study, and forgiveness. ( jainworld.jainworld.com)
The ten virtues are:
- Uttam Kshama — forgiveness
- Uttam Mardava — humility
- Uttam Arjava — straightforwardness
- Uttam Shaucha — purity/contentment
- Uttam Satya — truth
- Uttam Samyama — self-restraint
- Uttam Tapa — penance
- Uttam Tyaga — renunciation
- Uttam Akinchanya — non-possessiveness / non-attachment
- Uttam Brahmacharya — celibacy
These are the main virtues emphasized during Das Lakshan Parva. ( jainworld.jainworld.com)
When is Das Lakshan in 2026 and 2027?
If you mean the Digambara Das Lakshan observance:
- 2026: September 16, 2026 to September 25, 2026. The forgiveness day, Kshamavani, is listed on September 26, 2026. ( festivalsofindia.in)
- 2027: September 5, 2027 to September 14, 2027. Kshamavani is listed on September 14, 2027. ( faithvictoria.org.au)
Some Jain community calendars may group the wider Paryushan and Das Lakshan observance differently, but the Digambara Das Lakshan dates above are the clearest calendar dates for those years. Jain festival dates can also vary somewhat year to year because they follow the traditional Indian lunisolar calendar. ( festivalsofindia.in)
Spiritual Understanding
Das Lakshan Parva is one of the most beautiful periods in Jain Dharma because it shifts attention from the outer world to the soul. It reminds a Jain to become more forgiving, truthful, humble, disciplined, and detached. The goal is not just ritual observance, but real inner transformation. ( jainworld.jainworld.com)
Takeaway
Das Lakshan is the Jain festival of the ten virtues. In simple terms, it is a 10-day time of purification, self-control, and forgiveness. For 2026, it falls on September 16–25; for 2027, it falls on September 5–14. ( festivalsofindia.in)