Answer

In Jain Dharma, both Śvetāmbara Paryushan and Digambara Das Lakshan Parva are respected and spiritually valid within their own traditions.

It is not correct to say that only one is “actually correct” and the other is wrong. They are different traditional observances followed by the two major Jain sects.

Explanation

• Śvetāmbara tradition observes Paryushan Parva, usually for 8 days.
• Digambara tradition observes Das Lakshan Parva, usually for 10 days.

Both focus on the same core Jain values:

• Self-purification
• Repentance
• Forgiveness
• Tapasya
• Study of Dharma
• Control over passions
• Spiritual upliftment

The practices differ because of differences in sectarian traditions, scriptures, calendars, and ritual customs.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of these holy days is not to prove one tradition superior. The real purpose is to reduce kashayas such as anger, ego, deceit, and greed, and to move closer to the soul’s pure nature.

Śvetāmbara Jains commonly emphasize practices such as Pratikraman, Kalpa Sutra reading, fasting, and Samvatsari Pratikraman.

Digambara Jains emphasize the ten supreme virtues, known as Das Lakshan Dharma:

• Uttam Kshama – supreme forgiveness
• Uttam Mardav – supreme humility
• Uttam Arjav – supreme straightforwardness
• Uttam Shauch – supreme purity/contentment
• Uttam Satya – supreme truthfulness
• Uttam Sanyam – supreme self-restraint
• Uttam Tap – supreme austerity
• Uttam Tyag – supreme renunciation
• Uttam Akinchanya – supreme non-possessiveness
• Uttam Brahmacharya – supreme celibacy/chastity

Takeaway

Both are correct within Jain tradition. A Jain should observe the one followed in their tradition with faith, humility, and sincerity, while respecting the other tradition. The essence is the same: forgiveness, purification, and progress toward moksha.