Answer

In the Sthanakwasi Jain tradition, Samvatsari Alochana or Aloyna is the sincere confession and repentance of faults committed knowingly or unknowingly during the year.

It is performed on Samvatsari, the most important day of Paryushan, with the intention of purifying the soul through:

• Alochana – confession of faults
• Pratikraman – turning back from sinful actions
• Pratyakhyan – resolve not to repeat those faults
• Kshamapana – asking forgiveness from all living beings

Explanation

Aloyna means openly and humbly acknowledging one’s mistakes before Guru Bhagwant or, where Guru Bhagwant is not physically present, with sincere inner repentance.

On Samvatsari, a Jain reflects on wrongdoings related to:

• Violence or harm caused to living beings
• Harsh words, anger, ego, deceit, greed
• Negligence in religious duties
• Improper food, conduct, thoughts, speech, or actions
• Faults committed through mind, speech, and body
• Faults committed knowingly or unknowingly

The purpose is not just to say sorry, but to deeply purify one’s inner state.

Common Spirit of Samvatsari Alochana

A devotee prays with humility:

• If I have hurt any living being, I seek forgiveness.
• If I have committed faults through anger, pride, deceit, or greed, I repent.
• If I have failed in self-control, compassion, or awareness, I confess those faults.
• I resolve to be more careful in thought, speech, and action.

The well-known spirit of Samvatsari is:

Micchami Dukkadam Meaning: “May all my wrongdoings be forgiven.”

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, karma binds to the soul because of passions such as:

• Krodh – anger
• Maan – ego
• Maya – deceit
• Lobh – greed
• Raag – attachment
• Dwesh – hatred

Samvatsari Alochana helps weaken these passions. It brings humility, awareness, forgiveness, and inner cleansing.

True Alochana requires:

• No hiding of faults
• No justification of wrong actions
• No blaming others
• Deep regret
• A firm resolve to improve

Takeaway

Sthanakwasi Samvatsari Alochana is a sacred practice of yearly self-purification. It is not merely a ritual, but a sincere spiritual effort to confess mistakes, seek forgiveness, reduce karmic bondage, and move closer to the pure nature of the soul.

Micchami Dukkadam.