Answer

The purpose of Paryushan is spiritual purification.

It is a sacred Jain festival focused on:

• Self-reflection
• Repentance for mistakes
• Forgiveness
• Control over desires
• Study of Dharma
• Tapasya such as fasting and restraint

Explanation

During Paryushan, Jains try to turn inward and reduce attachment to worldly activities. The aim is not only external religious activity, but inner transformation.

A person reflects on questions such as:

• Have I hurt any living being?
• Have I spoken harshly?
• Have I acted with anger, ego, deceit, or greed?
• How can I live with more compassion and restraint?

For Shvetambar Jains, Paryushan is observed for 8 days. For Digambar Jains, the related festival is commonly observed as Das Lakshan Parva for 10 days.

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan reminds us that the true enemy is not outside us, but within us — anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, and carelessness.

The festival encourages the soul to move toward:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Samyaktva — right faith
• Samyag Jnan — right knowledge
• Samyag Charitra — right conduct

A very important part of Paryushan is asking for forgiveness with the feeling of:

Michhami Dukkadam — “May all the harm I have caused be forgiven.”

Takeaway

Paryushan is a time to cleanse the soul, seek forgiveness, forgive others, practice self-discipline, and move closer to liberation through Jain Dharma.