PRAYUSHAN FESTIVAL
The festival has several important components and practices:
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Fasting: Many Jains choose to fast during Paryushana. Some may undertake a complete fast, consuming no food or water, while others may observe partial fasting, restricting their diet to certain foods. Fasting is seen as a means of purifying the body and mind and increasing one's spiritual focus.
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Self-Reflection: Paryushana is a time for introspection and self-examination. Jains engage in prayer, meditation, and study of religious scriptures to deepen their understanding of Jain teachings and principles.
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Forgiveness and Reconciliation: A significant aspect of Paryushana is seeking forgiveness and reconciling with others. Jains ask for forgiveness from friends, family members, and anyone they may have wronged intentionally or unintentionally. This practice is known as "Samvatsari Pratikramana."
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Reading of Religious Texts: Jains often engage in the recitation and study of sacred Jain texts, including the "Kalpa Sutra" and the "Bhagavati Sutra," during Paryushana. These texts contain the teachings and stories of Jain Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers).
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Sermons and Discourses: Many Jain temples and religious leaders deliver sermons and discourses on Jain philosophy and ethics during Paryushana, which serve as spiritual guidance for the community.
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Acts of Charity and Compassion: Jains emphasize acts of charity and compassion during Paryushana. They may engage in charitable activities, including donating to the needy and helping those less fortunate.
Jainism, an ancient religion that originated in India, has several important festivals and observances throughout the year. These festivals are significant for Jains as they provide opportunities for spiritual reflection, worship, and community gatherings. Here are some of the most important Jain festivals:
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Mahavir Jayanti: Mahavir Jayanti is the most significant Jain festival, celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism. It usually falls in March or April and involves elaborate temple decorations, processions, prayers, and offerings.
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Paryushana Parva (Daslakshana Parva): Paryushana is an essential festival in Jainism, dedicated to spiritual reflection, fasting, and self-purification. It lasts for eight or ten days, depending on the Jain tradition. It includes practices like fasting, seeking forgiveness, and studying sacred texts.
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Diwali (Mahavira Nirvana): While Diwali is primarily known as a Hindu festival, Jains also celebrate it with great enthusiasm, albeit for a different reason. For Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of Lord Mahavira's attainment of nirvana (liberation) and is observed with prayer, worship, and the lighting of lamps.
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Dipalika (Deepavali): This festival is celebrated the day after Diwali and is marked by lighting lamps and candles to symbolize the light of knowledge and truth. It is a time for reflection and meditation.
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Akshaya Tritiya: Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated in April or May and is considered an auspicious day for Jains. It is believed that undertaking charitable activities and performing good deeds on this day brings immense blessings and positive karma.
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Gyan Panchami: Gyan Panchami is observed on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Kartika (usually in October or November). It commemorates Lord Mahavira's first discourse after attaining omniscience.
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Mauni Ekadashi: Mauni Ekadashi is a day of silence and meditation. Jains often observe silence on this day and spend it in deep reflection and spiritual practices.
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Parva Kshay (Samvatsari): This festival marks the conclusion of Paryushana and is celebrated with rituals seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. Jains ask for forgiveness from all living beings for any harm caused, and they also forgive others.
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Akhatrij: Akhatrij is a festival that marks the end of the four-month rainy season (chaturmas) during which monks and nuns traditionally stay in one place to avoid harming insects and other life forms. It involves processions and prayers.
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Kartik Purnima: Kartik Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Kartika (October or November). It involves visiting temples, lighting lamps, and performing charitable acts.
