Paryushan Parva (also known as Paryushan Mahaparva) offers an opportunity to consciously reduce worldly activities and cultivate a state of mind that supports a deeper inward journey.
It is a sacred period dedicated to introspection, self-purification, and seeking as well as offering forgiveness. It encourages individuals to look within and discover lasting happiness through spiritual awareness rather than external pursuits.
The Paryushan festival, one of the most significant observances in Jainism, is celebrated by Jains over a period of eight or ten days, depending on the sect. The Paryushan dates generally fall during August or September, every year. Throughout these Paryushan days, there is a conscious effort to minimise worldly engagements and devote more time to religious and spiritual practices.
The meaning of Paryushan is derived from the combination of the words pari and ushan. Pari means “by all ways,” while ushan means “to abide in one’s true self.” This profound interpretation reflects the spiritual purpose of the festival and explains why it holds such an important place in Jain philosophy.
Even for those deeply engaged in worldly responsibilities, the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir, out of infinite compassion, prescribed this sacred period as an opportunity to practice the art of turning inward. Jain Paryushan is therefore regarded as a time of self-restraint, spiritual reflection, and inner transformation rather than mere ritual observance.
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 combined spiritual energy generated by devotees observing austerities, meditation, scriptural study, and acts of forgiveness creates an atmosphere that inspires personal transformation.
The Jain festival of Paryushan also serves as an introduction to the core principles of Jainism. It provides newcomers with an opportunity to understand the religion’s impact on non-violence, self-discipline, and compassion, often becoming the beginning of a lifelong spiritual path.
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 realize the true self – the eternal soul.
Thus, the supreme purpose of Paryushan Parva is to harness the transformative power of forgiveness to attain the highest state of spiritual awareness and blissful consciousness.
Mahavir Jayanti in Paryushan
On the fifth day of Paryushan Parva, the Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Vanchan ceremony is observed, during which the auspicious birth of the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir, is publicly recited 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 sacred festival of Paryushan Parva is observed by Jains across the world as a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and inner transformation. For decades, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur has celebrated this auspicious occasion under the guidance of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, bringing together seekers of truth, peace, and lasting joy. Join us for Paryushan 2026 at Dome SVP Stadium, Worli, Mumbai, and experience the profound grace of the Master’s presence.
2. When is Paryushan 2026?
The Paryushan dates for 2026 are Tue, 8 – Tue, 15 September. This Paryushan Parva will be celebrated by Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur at the Dome SVP Stadium in Worli, Mumbai, in the pious presence of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji. Learn more about Paryushan 2026 at Dome SVP Stadium, Worli, Mumbai.
3. What is Samvatsari?
The final day of the festival is called Samvatsari. It is a sacred occasion to seek forgiveness from the entire universe, beginning with the Sadguru – the Master. It is a precious opportunity to acknowledge one’s sins, sincerely repent for them, and resolve never to repeat them. This practice serves as a powerful way to cleanse the mind and soul while preparing oneself to overcome inner weaknesses with a renewed spirit. In the evening, Jains assemble in groups to perform the sacred ritual of Alochana or Pratikraman.
4. What is the true meaning of pratikraman?
Through sincere introspection, one should recognise one’s faults, accept them, and seek atonement. Unless this sequence is followed, any attempt to overcome these flaws will not lead to their true subsidence. One’s beliefs will remain unchanged, and the suffering carried since time immemorial will continue unabated. Wrongly forging ahead is known as atikraman, whereas turning back is pratikraman. For instance, if someone insults you and you instantly retaliate, that is atikraman. After reacting, pause and reflect, “Who is truly at fault, the one who insulted me or the one who received the insult? This is merely the result of my own karma, and the other person is only a trigger for it. I alone am responsible.” Such introspection and turning inward is pratikraman.
Facing difficult situations is the consequence of past mistakes, whereas developing negative emotions in response reflects a present-day lapse in awareness. When you see the other person as innocent and direct your attention only towards your own past and present mistakes, you are genuinely practising pratikraman.
Atonement should be sought immediately, at the same place and same time, just like an order to shoot at sight. Forgiveness should be asked for then and there. If it is genuinely impossible to do so immediately, it should at least be done within twelve hours. If that cannot be managed daily, then it should be practised every fortnight; and if not, then once every four months. Ultimately, if none of these are possible, one must, without fail, seek atonement on the day of Samvatsari, the final 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.
