Answer

In Jain Dharma, the ritual of repentance and confession of sins is called Pratikraman.

It is a sacred practice in which a person reflects on wrong actions, confesses faults, asks for forgiveness, and resolves not to repeat them.

Explanation

The word Pratikraman means “to return back” — spiritually, it means returning from wrong conduct toward the path of right conduct.

During Pratikraman, one repents for faults committed through:

• Mind — wrong thoughts
• Speech — hurtful or false words
• Body — harmful actions

A central part of this repentance is expressed through the feeling of:

Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṁ — “May my faults be forgiven.”

Pratikraman may be done daily, fortnightly, monthly, yearly, or on special occasions. The yearly Pratikraman during Paryushan is especially important among Jains.

Spiritual Understanding

Pratikraman is not merely a ritual. It is a process of inner purification. Through honest repentance, humility, and forgiveness, the soul moves away from attachment, anger, ego, deceit, and greed.

It helps one become more aware, non-violent, disciplined, and spiritually pure.

Takeaway

The Jain ritual of repentance and confession of sins is Pratikraman — a sacred practice of self-examination, confession, forgiveness, and renewal on the path of liberation.