We celebrate Paryushan to purify the soul and move toward liberation (moksha). In this holy period, Jains stop new karmas from entering (samvar) and shed bonded karmas (nirjara) through repentance, restraint, study, and austerity.

What Paryushan cultivates

• Deep repentance (pratikraman) and asking forgiveness from all beings
• Self‑restraint: carefulness in food, speech, movement, and daily conduct
• Scriptural study (svādhyāy) and meditation (dhyān)
• Austerities (tapas) like fasting to weaken passions
• Compassion, truthfulness, non‑violence, and non‑possessiveness in practice

Shwetāmbara and Digambara traditions

• Shwetāmbara: Paryushan (8 days). The last day is Samvatsarī, when annual Pratikraman is performed and forgiveness is sought by saying “Micchāmi Dukkaḍam.”
• Digambara: Das‑Lakshanā Parva (10 days). Each day focuses on one supreme virtue (Kshamā, Mārdava, Ārjava, Shaucha, Satya, Sanyam, Tap, Tyāg, Akinchan, Brahmacharya). It culminates in Kshamāvaṇī (Forgiveness Day).

Essence

• To turn inward, cleanse faults, strengthen Right Faith–Right Knowledge–Right Conduct (Ratnatraya), and live the vows more carefully for the well‑being of all jīvas.

For simple guides:

• Ten virtues of Das‑Lakshanā (Digambar focus)
• What/when of Pratikraman and Samvatsarī practice