Answer

Paryushan started as a sacred period for Jain monks, nuns, and laypeople to pause worldly activities and focus deeply on self-purification, forgiveness, repentance, discipline, and spiritual progress.

Its origin is connected with the rainy season, when Jain monks and nuns traditionally stay in one place instead of travelling, to avoid harming the many small living beings that appear during the rains.

Explanation

The word Paryushan is commonly understood as a time of “coming closer to the soul” or “staying near the self.” During this period, Jains increase spiritual practices such as:

• Pratikraman – repentance for mistakes and sins
• Fasting and tapasya – self-discipline and purification
• Swadhyay – study of Jain teachings
• Samayik – equanimity and meditation
• Kshamapana – asking forgiveness from all beings

Because Jain Dharma places great importance on ahimsa, monks and nuns avoid unnecessary travel during the monsoon. Walking during this time can unintentionally harm insects, plants, and tiny living beings. So they stay in one place and devote more time to teaching, study, meditation, and spiritual discipline. Laypeople also use this opportunity to intensify their own dharma practice.

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan is not only a festival; it is a time of inner cleansing. Its purpose is to reduce anger, ego, greed, deceit, attachment, and carelessness.

The final spirit of Paryushan is expressed through forgiveness:

Micchami Dukkadam — “If I have caused harm to you knowingly or unknowingly, through thought, speech, or action, may that wrongdoing be forgiven.”

Takeaway

Paryushan started as a disciplined spiritual observance during the rainy season, rooted in ahimsa, self-control, repentance, and forgiveness. Its main purpose is to help the soul move closer to purity and liberation.