Answer

Paryushan Parva is one of the most important Jain festivals. It is a sacred period of self-purification, forgiveness, repentance, fasting, study, and spiritual reflection.

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

Explanation

During Paryushan, Jains focus on:

• Ahimsa — non-violence in thought, speech, and action
• Tapasya — fasting and austerity
• Swadhyay — study of Jain scriptures
• Pratikraman — repentance for mistakes and sins
• Kshamapana — asking forgiveness from all living beings
• Samayik and meditation — calming the mind and focusing on the soul

In the Śvetāmbara tradition, Paryushan is generally observed for 8 days. The final day is known as Samvatsari, the great day of forgiveness.

In the Digambara tradition, a related important festival called Das Lakshan Parva is observed for 10 days, focusing on the ten supreme virtues such as forgiveness, humility, truthfulness, purity, and self-restraint.

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan teaches that true religion is not only ritual, but inner transformation. It is a time to reduce attachment, control anger, confess faults, forgive others, and awaken the pure nature of the soul.

On Samvatsari, Jains say:

Micchami Dukkadam

This means: “If I have hurt you knowingly or unknowingly through thought, word, or action, I ask for forgiveness.”

Takeaway

Paryushan Parva is a sacred opportunity to purify the soul, practice forgiveness, and move closer to the path of liberation.