Dashlakshana Parva 2026: The 10 Virtues of the Soul
Complete 10-Day Schedule, Significance, and Parna Guide (दशलक्षण पर्व 2026)
What is Dashlakshana Parva? (दशलक्षण पर्व क्या है?)
Dashlakshana Parva is the holiest festival for Digambara Jains. Unlike the 8-day Shwetambar Paryushan, the Digambara tradition observes this as a 10-day festival. Each day is dedicated to one of the ten cardinal virtues (Dharmas) that lead the soul toward liberation (Moksha).
This period is a time for Atma-Anushasan (Self-Discipline). By practicing these virtues, Jains aim to wash away the karmic impurities accumulated over the year.
2026 Dashlakshana Schedule
| Day | Date (2026) | Virtue (Dharma) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sept 16 | Uttam Kshama | Supreme Forgiveness |
| Day 2 | Sept 17 | Uttam Mardava | Supreme Humility |
| Day 3 | Sept 18 | Uttam Arjava | Supreme Honesty |
| Day 4 | Sept 19 | Uttam Shaucha | Supreme Purity |
| Day 5 | Sept 20 | Uttam Satya | Supreme Truth |
| Day 6 | Sept 21 | Uttam Sanyam | Supreme Self-Restraint |
| Day 7 | Sept 22 | Uttam Tapa | Supreme Penance |
| Day 8 | Sept 23 | Uttam Tyaga | Supreme Renunciation |
| Day 9 | Sept 24 | Uttam Akinchanya | Supreme Non-attachment |
| Day 10 | Sept 25 | Uttam Brahmacharya | Supreme Chastity |
Kshamavani (Forgiveness Day): Saturday, September 26, 2026
The Tapasvi Parna Celebration
After the 10 days of intensive spiritual observance, the following day is dedicated to the Parna—the breaking of fasts for those who performed Upvas or other rigorous penances during the 10 days.
- Community Joy: In many Digambara temples, the community honors the Tapasvis (those who fasted) with processions and traditional welcoming ceremonies.
- Spiritual Merit: Lay followers seek to offer the first morsels of food (usually simple, pure sattvic items) to the Tapasvis, believing it brings great spiritual merit.
- Kshamavani Connection: In the Digambara tradition, the Parna often aligns with or precedes the Kshamavani spirit, where the community reconciles and starts the new year with a clean slate.