Answer

During Paryushan, fruits or other offerings may be kept in the mandir as a form of devotion, respect, and bhakti toward Bhagwan — not because Bhagwan “needs” or “eats” them.

In Jain Dharma, Tirthankars are Vitragi — completely detached. They do not desire food, fruit, flowers, or any material thing.

Explanation

When we keep fruit in the temple:

• It is an expression of reverence.
• It reminds us to offer our best feelings to Bhagwan.
• It symbolizes giving up attachment and ego.
• It supports a devotional atmosphere in the mandir.

But during Paryushan, many people observe tapasya, such as upvas, ekasana, biyasana, or restrictions on certain foods. So even if fruit is placed in the mandir, those who have taken a vow not to eat it should not consume it.

The offering is for bhav — inner feeling — not for personal enjoyment.

Spiritual Understanding

The deeper Jain view is that true offering is not fruit, flowers, or sweets. The real offering is:

• letting go of anger, ego, deceit, and greed,
• practicing forgiveness,
• doing pratikraman,
• observing self-control,
• and developing detachment.

So if someone offers fruit but remains full of anger or pride, the external offering has little spiritual value. But if someone cannot offer anything material and sincerely practices self-purification, that is spiritually higher.

Takeaway

We may keep fruit in the mandir during Paryushan as a devotional symbol, but Bhagwan does not need it. The main purpose of Paryushan is not offering fruit — it is offering our inner impurities for purification through tapasya, samayik, pratikraman, and forgiveness.