Answer

Paryushan started as a sacred Jain period of inner purification, repentance, self-discipline, and spiritual reflection.

Traditionally, it is connected with the rainy season, when Jain monks and nuns stop traveling and stay in one place. During this time, householders get a special opportunity to listen to discourses, practice austerities, study scriptures, and ask forgiveness.

Explanation

The word Paryushan is commonly understood as “coming closer to the soul” or “staying near the Self.”

It developed around these important Jain principles:

• Ahimsa: During the rainy season, many tiny living beings are present. Monks avoid travel to reduce harm to them.
• Self-purification: Jains focus on fasting, meditation, samayik, pratikraman, and control of passions.
• Repentance: One reflects on mistakes and asks forgiveness for harm caused knowingly or unknowingly.
• Scriptural learning: Devotees listen to Jain teachings and strengthen right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

For Śvetāmbara Jains, Paryushan is observed for 8 days. For Digambara Jains, the related festival is called Das Lakshan Parva, observed for 10 days.

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan is not mainly about celebration; it is about cleansing the soul from anger, ego, deceit, greed, attachment, and carelessness.

It reminds us to live with compassion, humility, forgiveness, and awareness.

Takeaway

Paryushan began as a deeply spiritual Jain observance during the rainy season, giving monks, nuns, and laypeople a focused time for purification, non-violence, forgiveness, and moving closer to the true nature of the soul.