Answer

In Jain Dharma, Pratikraman means to turn back from wrong thoughts, words, and actions, and to seek forgiveness for faults committed knowingly or unknowingly.

The main types of Pratikraman are:

• Rai Pratikraman – done in the morning
• Devasi Pratikraman – done in the evening
• Pakshik Pratikraman – done once every fortnight
• Chaumasi Pratikraman – done once every four months
• Samvatsari Pratikraman – done once a year, especially on Samvatsari during Paryushan

Explanation

• Rai Pratikraman: Performed in the morning to repent for faults committed during the night.
• Devasi Pratikraman: Performed in the evening to repent for faults committed during the day.
• Pakshik Pratikraman: Performed every fifteen days to reflect on and repent for faults of the fortnight.
• Chaumasi Pratikraman: Performed every four months, traditionally connected with deeper reflection and purification.
• Samvatsari Pratikraman: The yearly Pratikraman, considered especially important. It is a major practice of forgiveness, repentance, and spiritual purification.

Spiritual Understanding

Pratikraman is not only a ritual; it is a process of inner cleansing. Through Pratikraman, a Jain reflects:

• Where did I hurt any living being?
• Where did I act with anger, ego, deceit, or greed?
• Where did I fail in carefulness, compassion, or self-control?

It helps the soul move away from paap and return toward samyak conduct.

Takeaway

The different types of Pratikraman are based on time periods: daily, fortnightly, four-monthly, and yearly. Their purpose is the same: repentance, forgiveness, self-purification, and spiritual progress.