Sthanakvasi Paryushan refers to the observance of the Paryushan festival by the Sthanakvasi sect of Jainism. Paryushan is one of the most significant and sacred festivals for Jains, observed annually, focusing on spiritual upliftment, self-discipline, and penance.

Key Aspects of Sthanakvasi Paryushan:

1. Duration:

Sthanakvasi Jains typically observe Paryushan for 8 days. The festival is called "Paryushan Parva" and usually occurs in the lunar month of Bhadrapada (August-September).

1. Practices:

- Pratikraman: Devotees perform daily Pratikraman (a ritual of repentance and reflection). - Fasting: Many undertake various forms of fasting (upvaas), ranging from partial to complete abstinence from food. - Meditation and Prayer: There is an emphasis on meditation, reading of Jain scriptures, and listening to discourses by Jain monks and nuns. - Forgiveness (Kshamapana): On the last day, Sthanakvasi Jains seek forgiveness from all beings for any harm caused intentionally or unintentionally, using the phrase “Micchami Dukkadam.”

1. Scriptures:

During Paryushan, Sthanakvasi Jains focus on the Kalpasutra and other Jain Agamas, but their observances may not include idol worship, as Sthanakvasi tradition is non-idolatrous and emphasizes internal spiritual development.

1. Goal:

The main objective is self-purification through introspection, atonement, control of desires, and seeking forgiveness.

1. Community Activities:

- Discourses (pravachans) by saints. - Group prayers and collective rituals. - Charitable acts and helping others.

Distinction:

Compared to the Murtipujak (idol-worshipping) Shwetambar sect, which observes Paryushan sometimes for 8 days and sometimes for 10 (Das Lakshan by Digambaras), the Sthanakvasi strictly observe it for 8 days and do not engage in idol worship.

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In summary, Sthanakvasi Paryushan is an eight-day period of intense spiritual practice, focused on self-discipline, repentance, fasting, and forgiveness, with a strong emphasis on inner purification rather than external rituals.