What is Paryushan? Paryushan Parva (also known as Paryushan Mahaparva) offers an opportunity to consciously reduce worldly activities and create a conducive state of mind that facilitates one to take on a deeper inner journey. It is an opportunity to introspect and search for happiness in the inward direction. It is a festival dedicated to seeking and giving forgiveness. Paryushan Parva, one of the most important festivals in Jainism, is celebrated by Jains worldwide; over a period of eight or ten days, depending upon different sects. It generally falls in the months of August-September. During the festival days, there is a conscious effort to minimise outer activities and a greater focus is placed on religious and spiritual practices. The word Paryushan is derived from the combination of ‘pari’ and ‘ushan’. ‘Pari’ means ‘by all ways’ and ‘ushan’ means ‘to abide by one’s true self’. Thus, the festival of Paryushan endeavours to facilitate abidance in the true self by all means. Even for those who value material wealth, the 24th Tirthankar Lord Mahavir, with infinite compassion, prescribed this period to practise the art of going within. Jains place great importance on Paryushan, seeing it as an opportunity for self-restraint and spiritual growth. Importance of Paryushan The pious festival of Paryushan occurs once every year. It is the ideal time for anyone desiring to start or deepen their inner journey. During this period, the entire Jain community embarks on an inward expedition toward their peace centre. The collective power of people performing various austerities, rituals and spiritual practices with the shared goal of attaining purity helps create significant synergy. Paryushan is also an opportunity for newcomers to understand what Jainism is about – an event that can trigger one’s journey on the spiritual path and thus change the course of not just this life but for several lives in succession. Purpose of Paryushan Shrimad Rajchandraji, an Enlightened Being and a reformer of Jainism from the late 19th century writes, ‘Forgiveness is the grand entrance to liberation.’ Paryushan provides an invaluable opportunity to forgive oneself and others, aiding in the liberation of the soul from the cycles of birth and death. Forgiveness purifies the mind and soul, leading to a happier state of being. This, in turn, promotes deeper contemplation and meditation, ultimately helping one to realise the true self – the eternal soul. Thus, the lofty purpose of Paryushan Parva is to harness the power of forgiveness to achieve the supreme state of blissful consciousness. Mahavir Jayanti in Paryushan On the 5th day of Paryushan Parva, the Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Vanchan ceremony takes place, where the auspicious birth event of the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir, is publicly read and celebrated. This event, though not the actual birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, provides an opportunity to commemorate the birth of the Jina, one who has conquered inner enemies. When Lord Vardhaman (who later came to be known as Lord Mahavir), entered the womb of holy Mother Trishla, she saw 14 most auspicious dreams. On the occasion of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Vanchan, the event of the holy mother’s vision of the 14 dreams is often reenacted, enabling devotees to relive it and deepen their reverence for the virtues embodied by Lord Mahavir. FAQs 1. Where do I find an authentic place where Paryushan Parva is celebrated in its true sense? The Paryushan Parva is celebrated by Jains all around the world. Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur has been celebrating Paryushan Parva for many decades, under the guidance of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji. Seekers of truth, peace and joy from all over the world come together to commemorate Paryushan Parva in the presence of the Master. 2. When is Paryushan 2024? This year Paryushan Parva will be celebrated from 31 August to 7 September. It will be celebrated by Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur at the N.S.C.I. Dome in Worli, Mumbai, in the pious presence of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji. Click here to know more. 3. What is Samvatsari? The final day of the festival is known as Samvatsari. It is a day to seek forgiveness from the entire universe, starting with the Sadguru – the Master. It is a priceless occasion to confess one’s sins, abhor them wholeheartedly and take the pledge to not repeat them again. This process acts as a powerful technique for cleansing the mind and soul, and for preparing to confront one’s inner demons with a fresh start. In the evening, Jains gather in groups to perform the sacred cleansing ritual of Alochana or Pratikraman. 4. What is the true meaning of pratikraman? Through introspection, one should identify his faults, accept them and seek atonement. Without following this sequence, the efforts to mitigate the flaws will not bear the result of genuine subsidence. The beliefs will remain unchanged and the misery that one is suffering from since time immemorial will not be averted. Wrongly forging ahead is atikraman, while to retreat, to turn back is pratikraman. Suppose someone insults you, and you retaliate immediately; this is atikraman. Having retaliated, immediately contemplate, ‘Is the one who insults the wrongdoer or the one who receives the insult? These are the fruits of my own karma and the other person is merely a trigger for it. I alone am to be blamed’. Thinking thus, to retreat, is pratikraman. Facing adverse circumstances is the result of past mistakes while experiencing adverse feelings is a present-day error of unawareness. If you perceive the other person as innocent and focus only on your own present and past mistakes, then you have practised pratikraman. Atonement must be sought immediately, at the same place and same time – akin to an order to shoot at sight. Forgiveness must be sought at that point of time only. If you are absolutely unable to do it immediately, then it must happen at least within twelve hours. If you can’t do it daily, then do it fortnightly; and if not that, then every four months. Finally, if none of this is possible, no matter what, you must atone it on the day of samvatsari, which is the last day of the Jain festival of Paryushan. 5. Can non-Jains be a part of Paryushan? Paryushan Parva is for everybody and is not restricted to Jains alone. The festival is open for everyone to celebrate as it is based on virtues like forgiveness. While some may undertake various austerities at a bodily level (e.g. fasting) or on a mental level (e.g. staying in silence for the entire period), the purpose of all austerities is to cleanse the mind and soul, so that one can turn within. 6. What are the rules of Paryushan? Jains believe in the virtue of ahimsa or non-violence towards all. For the period of Paryushan, they try their best not to hurt any life – through thoughts, words or deeds. More than just putting forth the rules of ‘dos and don’ts’, it is the virtue of sensitivity towards all living beings that must not be compromised. To cultivate this sensitivity and soften the heart, Jains engage in several practices. 7. Why don’t Jains consume vegetables in Paryushan? Jains believe in following ahimsa to its minutest level to ensure no living being is harmed by them. Considering that vegetables too contain life, Jains at least for the period of the festival, give up eating vegetables, as a symbol of their commitment towards following the precept of ahimsa.
