In Jain Dharma, Paryushan is the time to “abide near” one’s true Self (paryushana = to stay/settle within). Fasting during these days is a means of samvara (stopping new karmas) and nirjara (shedding accumulated karmas) through restraint, repentance, study, and forgiveness.

Why eight days and why the long fast?

• Eight days give sustained, uninterrupted sādhanā leading to Samvatsari (the final day of collective pratikraman and kshamāpanā/forgiveness). A continuous span helps calm the passions and weaken karmic bondage.
• Many observe full or partial fasts across these days; some choose an atthai (all 8 days) as a special tapas for inner purification, humility, and self‑control. It is respected but not compulsory; even ekāsan, biyasana, or single‑day upavās align with the spirit of Paryushan.
• Traditional teachers also relate the eight days symbolically to working against the eight main types of karma (ashtakarma), keeping the focus on purification of conduct, knowledge, faith, and energy.

Traditions

• Shvetāmbara: Paryushan spans 8 days, culminating in Samvatsari pratikraman and universal forgiveness (Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ). Fasting patterns vary from none to atthai; all are encouraged to do pratikraman, swādhyāy, and kshamāpanā.
• Digambara: The parallel festival is Daśalakṣaṇa (10 days) focused on ten virtues. Extended fasts are also practiced, but the festival length is ten, not eight.

Essence Fasting in Paryushan is not about the body; it is a tool to quiet cravings, confess faults, forgive and seek forgiveness, study scripture, and return to ahiṃsā, truth, and self‑discipline—so that karmas are shed and right faith deepens.