This is a season of festivals in India; we witness all great festivals like Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan, Ramzan, Navratri, Pateti, Ganeshotsav during this period of time. For Jains, it is a time of Paryshan, a 8 day festival which this year is from 22nd August to 29th August. Paryushan alongside Diwali is the most popular festival in Jainisms. There are two parts in Jainism, the Digambars and the Shwetambars, Digambars’ Paryushan is of 10 days and start alongside Ganesh Chaturthi and end on Ganesh Visarjan, while Shwetambar’s Paryushan end on Ganesh Chaturthi while start 8 days before it.
Paryushan is a festival of ‘Apologizing’, it is a festival when Jains do the maximum amount of religious activities and the main motive is Kshamapna (to forgive) for all the sins you have done throughout the year. These 8 days are about staying in a full discipline, forgetting about the world’s desires, practicing celibacy and concentrating on the real motive of life, salvation.
‘Micchami Dukkadam’ is a word from ancient language ‘Ardha-Magadhi’ used by Jains which means ‘I’m Sorry’. Jainism is based on non-violence, forgiveness, knowledge, celibacy, no love – no hatred. During Paryushan things that Jains do is go to temple, go to monestary and listen to lectures by Sanyaasis, Do fast or atleast not eat any vegetables, any foods that are desirable, control all the desires, avoid love or hatred for others, and the most important thing comes is ‘Pratikraman’ . Pratikraman is a process of meditation which has main motive of Forgiveness from all the bad deeds, sins. Pratikraman is done 2 times everyday for Forgiveness of all the sins. It holds a strong meaning, Paryushan is all about Forgive and Forget. Pratikraman can be done everyday, morning and evening, there are different types, some are done every 3 months or every 15 days, while the largest Pratikraman in the year is the ‘Samvatsari Pratikraman’ but Paryushana Pratikraman holds a different status.
The last day is the most important day, it is called as the ‘Samvatsari’ It is a day when almost every Jain, even though busy with life, will do this Pratikraman as it is a time when you are trying to remember and apologize all the sins you have done throughout the year. Paryushan festival shows Jains the real meaning of life and these 8 days are spent by doing all the religious activities which people have ignored in every day’s busy and stressful life.
– Jainam Jhaveri
-Jainam is a writer at http://www.bms.co.in. He is a BMS Graduate with a Diploma in Software Engineering and passionate about Blogging, Football, Games, Technology, Travelling to new places.
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