Answer

Paryushan is one of the most important Jain festivals because it is a time for:

• self-purification
• repentance
• forgiveness
• study of Dharma
• control over desires
• deepening awareness of the soul

Its main purpose is not celebration in the worldly sense, but inner spiritual cleansing.

Mahavir Swami’s birthday, known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, is especially celebrated because Bhagwan Mahavir is the 24th and most recent Tirthankar of the present time cycle. His teachings form the directly preserved Jain tradition followed today.

However, Jain Dharma does honor other Tirthankars too. Their Kalyanaks are also spiritually important, but Mahavir Swami’s Janma Kalyanak is the most widely observed among Jains because of his close historical connection to the present Jain Sangh.

Explanation

Paryushan means a period of staying close to the soul and Dharma. During this time, Jains try to reduce attachment, anger, pride, deceit, greed, and carelessness.

Common practices include:

• fasting or other forms of tapasya
• pratikraman
• listening to scriptures and discourses
• asking forgiveness through Michhami Dukkadam
• giving up harmful habits
• strengthening non-violence, truth, and self-discipline

The deepest message of Paryushan is:

Look within, recognize your mistakes, purify your conduct, and move closer to liberation.

Regarding Mahavir Swami’s birthday, Jain Dharma does not say that only Mahavir Swami is worthy of reverence. All 24 Tirthankars are equally venerated as enlightened beings who attained Keval Jnan and showed the path to moksha.

But Bhagwan Mahavir holds a special place for us because:

• He is the last Tirthankar of the present avasarpini time cycle.
• The current Jain Sangh traces its organized form to his teachings.
• His life and teachings are most closely connected to the Jain tradition practiced today.
• His message of ahimsa, aparigraha, anekant, and self-discipline is central to present Jain life.

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan reminds us that Jain Dharma is not only about rituals, but about transforming the soul. True observance means becoming less angry, less egoistic, less attached, and more compassionate.

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak reminds us of the appearance of a Tirthankar who revived the path of liberation for this era. Celebrating his birth is not merely remembering a historical event; it is remembering the birth of Dharma in our own life.

Takeaway

Paryushan is for inner purification and forgiveness. Mahavir Swami’s birthday is especially celebrated because he is the most recent Tirthankar and the direct guide of the Jain tradition followed today. But all Tirthankars are equally revered in Jain Dharma.