On the fifth day of Paryushan, the auspicious dreams of Bhagawan Mahävir's mother, Queen Trishala, are celebrated at a special ceremony.
Yes. In the Shvetāmbara tradition, the 5th day of Paryuṣaṇ (Bhadrapada śukla panchamī) is observed as Swapna Darshan. During the public recitation of the Kalpa-sūtra, the section on Bhagavān Mahāvīr’s birth is read, and Queen Trishalā’s auspicious dreams are honored with silver icons, ārti, and bolī (symbolic bidding) for temporary worship at home. The devotional focus is gratitude for the Tīrthaṅkar’s descent and a resolve to purify one’s conduct.
Fourteen dreams (Shvetāmbara list)
- Elephant
- Bull
- Lion
- Goddess Lakṣmī
- Garland of flowers
- Full moon
- Sun
- Great flag
- Auspicious full vase (pūrṇa-kalaśa)
- Lotus-lake
- Ocean of milk
- Celestial vimāna (air-borne palace)
- Heap of gems
- Smokeless fire
Traditional meaning in brief
- They collectively foretell the birth of a Tīrthaṅkar endowed with supreme courage, knowledge, compassion, purity, and world-guiding authority. The dreams are described in the Kalpa-sūtra and are celebrated to strengthen śraddhā (right faith) and saṃyama (self-restraint).
Note on traditions
- Shvetāmbara: 14 dreams (as above) are recited on day 5 of Paryuṣaṇ with the Swapna Darshan celebration.
- Digambara: many texts enumerate 16 auspicious dreams for a Tīrthaṅkar’s mother, generally adding a pair of fish and a lofty throne to the above set. The devotional essence and reverence remain the same.
For a simple pictorial list of the dreams, see this reference from JainKnowledge: