11 vaarshik kartavya?
Jainism prescribes various annual (vaarshik) duties or kartavya for its followers, especially as part of spiritual discipline and community practices. The "11 vaarshik kartavya" (११ वार्षिक कर्तव्य) are observed particularly in the Shwetambar Jain tradition. These duties are performed annually and are considered important for spiritual purification and progress.
Here are the 11 vaarshik kartavya:
- Atthai (अट्ठाई): Observing an 8-day spiritual retreat, usually during Paryushan, focusing on fasting, meditation, and scriptural study.
- Paryushan Parva (पर्युषण पर्व): The most important festival, emphasizing self-purification, forgiveness, and spiritual upliftment.
- Ayambil Oli (अयम्बिल ओळी): Observing ayambil (a special type of fasting with only boiled grains) for 9 days, twice a year (Chaitra and Kartik months).
- Samvatsari Pratikraman (संवत्सरी प्रतिक्रमण): Annual confession and repentance (pratikraman) on the last day of Paryushan.
- Maun Agiyaras (मौन अगियारस): Observing silence and fasting on the 11th day of the bright fortnight, especially in Kartik month.
- Varsitap (वर्षीतप): Special penance where devotees alternate between fasting and eating for a year, ending with Akshaya Tritiya.
- Navpad Oli (नवपद ओली): Another name for the two Ayambil Oli periods in a year.
- Chaumasi Chaudas (चौमासी चौदस): A quarterly (every four months) observance involving fasting and special rituals.
- Deepawali (दीपावली): Celebrated as the day Lord Mahavira attained nirvana, involving fasting, spiritual study, and charity.
- Gyana Panchami (ज्ञान पंचमी): The fifth day after Deepawali, dedicated to veneration of scriptures and knowledge.
- Shrut Panchami (श्रुत पंचमी): A day for reverence of Jain scriptures, usually in the month of Jyeshtha.
These observances help Jains maintain spiritual discipline, purify karma, and progress on the path of liberation (moksha).