Parva Raj (King of Festivals)

Paryushan Parva

पर्युषण पर्व / दशलक्षण पर्व

The spiritual season of self-purification, introspection, and forgiveness. It is a time to burn accumulated karmas through penance and to awaken the soul's natural virtues.

The Spiritual Significance

"Paryushan" means "abiding" or "coming together". It is a time when Jains step back from worldly affairs to focus on their soul.

Unlike other festivals that celebrate external events, Paryushan is purely internal. It involves fasting, studying scriptures, and observing silence to minimize violence (Ahimsa) towards all beings. It is the opportunity to close the "karmic account" of the year.

Shvetambara
Paryushan (8 Days)

Ends with Samvatsari Pratikraman.

Digambara
Dash Lakshan (10 Days)

Starts after Samvatsari. Celebrates 10 Virtues.

Jain Festival Paryushan

The Ten Universal Virtues

Celebrated daily during the Dash Lakshan Parva

Uttam Kshama

Supreme Forgiveness

Uttam Mardav

Supreme Humility

Uttam Arjav

Supreme Straightforwardness

Uttam Satya

Supreme Truth

Uttam Shaucha

Supreme Purity (Contentment)

Uttam Sanyam

Supreme Self-Restraint

Uttam Tap

Supreme Penance

Uttam Tyag

Supreme Renunciation

Uttam Akinchinya

Supreme Non-attachment

Uttam Brahmacharya

Supreme Celibacy

Observances

  • Fasting (Upvas): Devotees observe various fasts, from drinking only boiled water to complete abstinence from food for 8, 10, or even 30 days (Maskhaman).
  • Pratikraman: A ritual of confession where one reflects on past mistakes and seeks forgiveness.
  • Scripture Reading: The Kalpa Sutra (describing the lives of Tirthankaras) is read in Shvetambara temples. Digambaras recite the Tattvartha Sutra.
  • Dhoop Dashmi: On the 6th day (Digambara), temples are cleaned and special incense is burnt, symbolizing the burning of karmas.

Samvatsari & Forgiveness

The festival concludes with the day of Samvatsari (for Shvetambaras) or Kshamavani (for Digambaras). This is the most vital day.

Jains greet every person they meet with "Micchami Dukkadam" ("May my bad deeds be fruitless"). This practice resets relationships and promotes universal brotherhood, transcending even religious boundaries.

Learn about Micchami Dukkadam

Paryushan FAQs

Common questions about the holy week.

It typically falls in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapad (August or September). The exact dates vary annually. Shvetambaras observe it for 8 days ending on Samvatsari, while Digambaras observe it for 10 days starting from the 5th day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha).

Fasting is a tool for Tapa (penance). By controlling the senses and reducing dependence on food, Jains aim to shed accumulated karma, purify the body and mind, and focus entirely on spiritual growth without the distraction of cooking and eating.

They are essentially the same spiritual festival celebrated by different sects. Paryushan is the term more commonly used by Shvetambaras, focusing on the 8 days ending in Samvatsari. Dash Lakshan is used by Digambaras, focusing on the 10 days dedicated to the ten supreme virtues, ending on Anant Chaturdashi.