Answer

Paryushan lasts eight days mainly in the Śvetāmbara Jain tradition because it is the sacred period in which Jains focus intensely on:

• Self-purification
• Repentance
• Forgiveness
• Study of scriptures
• Tapasya and restraint

The eight days are traditionally observed as a complete spiritual period leading up to Samvatsari, the most important day of forgiveness and repentance.

Explanation

The word Paryushan is commonly understood as “coming closer to the soul” or “staying near the true self.” During these eight days, a Jain tries to reduce worldly distractions and increase spiritual awareness.

In the Śvetāmbara tradition, Paryushan is observed for eight days, and the final day is Samvatsari, when Jains perform Pratikraman and ask forgiveness by saying:

Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ

This means: “May my wrongdoings be forgiven.”

In the Digambara tradition, the comparable festival is called Daśalakṣaṇa Parva, which is observed for ten days, focusing on ten supreme virtues.

Spiritual Understanding

The importance of Paryushan is not only the number of days, but the inner transformation it encourages. The eight days give a devotee time to practice:

• Samayik — equanimity
• Pratikraman — repentance for faults
• Svādhyāya — scriptural study
• Tap — austerity
• Kṣamā — forgiveness

Takeaway

Paryushan lasts eight days in the Śvetāmbara tradition because it is a concentrated period of spiritual purification, ending with Samvatsari, the day of universal forgiveness and inner renewal.