what is Paryushan festival

Paryushan is a sacred annual festival in Jainism focused on inner purification, self-discipline, and forgiveness. It is a time for intensified spiritual practice, reflection, and adherence to Jain vows.

Key points:

• Purpose: purify the soul, reduce karmas, and renew commitment to right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• Main practices: fasting or eating modestly, daily prayers, scriptural study, meditation, and extended self-control; especially pratikraman (confession and repentance) and svādhyāy (scripture study).
• Forgiveness day: on the last day Jains seek forgiveness from all living beings and offer forgiveness in return, often using the phrase “Michhami Dukkadam.”
• Two traditions:

- Śvetāmbara Jains: Paryushan lasts 8 days and ends with Samvatsarī (Forgiveness Day). - Digambara Jains: Das Lakshana Parva lasts 10 days, with a daily focus on one supreme virtue, ending with Kshamāvani (Forgiveness Day).

Simple purpose in practice: turn inward, shed faults, strengthen resolve to live by Jain principles, and cultivate compassion for all beings.

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