Here are the key principles to follow during Paryushan, aimed at self-purification and spiritual upliftment in Jain dharma.

• Pratikraman (confession and repentance)

- Do daily introspection, acknowledge mistakes, seek forgiveness from all beings, and resolve to improve. On Samvatsari (end of the festival for Śvetāmbara) or Kshamavani (end for Digambara), special forgiveness recitations are performed. You can read more about this practice here

• Upvaas and fasting (austerity)

- Observe fasting or eat very simple, limited meals according to your capacity. Avoid eating after sunset and minimize indulgence to reduce harm. Guidance on fasting rules during Paryushan is available here

• Ahimsa (non-violence) in thought, word, and deed

- practice heightened care to avoid harm to all living beings, including insects and microorganisms. See how this festival emphasizes non-violence in daily life here

• Svādhyāya (study of scriptures) and dhyāna (meditation)

- Read and reflect on Jain scriptures (Kalpasutra, Tattvartha Sutra, etc.), listen to pravachans, and spend time in meditation. Details about the festival’s spiritual study focus are here

• Satya (truth) and self-restraint (Aparigraha, Brahmacharya)

- Speak truth, reduce desires, limit possessions, and maintain celibacy or purity of conduct as per your vows. See how these virtues are integrated into Paryushan practice here

• Atithi Seva and charity (Daan, Seva)

- Show hospitality to guests, help those in need, and support monks/nuns as part of the practice of compassion during the festival. This aspect is included in the festival guidance here

• Kshamā (forgiveness) and Michhami Dukkadam

- The essence of Paryushan culminates in seeking and granting forgiveness to restore harmony and purify the mind. Learn about the forgiveness focus of the festival here

• Samvatsari (end-day forgiveness) or Kshamavani (Digambar equivalent)

- A special day for declaring forgiveness to all beings and asking for forgiveness from others. See how the festival ends with this practice here

• Daily structure (Śvetāmbara) vs. (Digambara) Das Lakshana

- Śvetāmbara observe eight days with practices like daily pratikraman, svādhyāya, and samvatsari. Digambar observe ten days (Das Lakshana) focused on ten supreme virtues, ending with forgiveness. Both traditions center on purification and self-control; differences lie mainly in the day-count and specific veneration practices. See overviews here: and

• What to eat and how to observe dietary rules

- Follow a strict Jain, sattvic diet: no root vegetables, simple preparations, avoid fermentation in many cases, and finish meals before sunset when possible. There are practical guidelines on eating during Paryushan here

• Overall aim

- Paryushan is a period for letting go of anger, pride, greed, and attachments; increasing compassion, self-discipline, and spiritual learning; and renewing commitment to non-violence, truth, and restraint. A concise summary is here

Note on traditions

• Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions share the same core aims (purification, forgiveness, self-discipline) but differ in some practices and the number of days (Das Lakshana for Digambar; eight days for Śvetāmbara). See the comparative notes here

If you’d like, I can tailor these principles to your exact tradition (Digambar or Śvetāmbara) and your personal vows.