Paryushana or (Pajjusana) is an important festival for Jains. It is time for Jains to reflect on their lives and seek forgiveness from those they have wronged. The festival is celebrated by both the Digambar and Shwetambar Jain sects.
This year, Paryushan Parva will begin on September 12, 2023, and will end on September 20, 2023. During the festival, Jains will observe a series of austerities, including fasting, meditation and abstinence from violence. They will also visit temples and participate in religious ceremonies.
The Jain University Organization states: “Paryushan is the most important festival among the Jain festivals; and it is celebrated during every Chaturma which begins on the twelfth day of the fourteenth day of the waning moon, in Bhadrapad and ends on the fourth day of the fourteenth day of the waxing moon in Bhadrapad. During these eight days, the whole Jain society becomes enraptured with an atmosphere of enthusiasm and luck.”
Best wishes to everyone following the Paryushan festival in the UK and around the world. pic.twitter.com/25X2uhifS7
— Labor Party (@UKLabour)
September 11, 2023
What is the history of Paryushan festival?
The origins of Paryushan Parva can be traced back to the agricultural lifestyle of India centuries ago.
At that time, people lived in small, scattered villages, and their life depended on the land.
After the monsoon rains and harvest, there would be a break from agricultural work. The roads would become impassable, and the increase in insects would make travel difficult without killing them.
Therefore, people would avoid traveling during that time. This gave them the opportunity to focus on purification, improving their knowledge and other spiritual practices.
The festival is believed to have originated in the 6th century BC when the Jain master Mahavira taught his followers to refrain from violence and focus on spiritual purity. Paryushan Parva is a time to remember Mahavira’s teachings and strive to live a more ethical and compassionate life.
What is the significance of Paryushan festival?
The significance of Paryushan is to cleanse oneself of all impurities, physical and mental. During the festival, Jains observe a series of austerities, including fasting, meditation and the study of religious texts. They also avoid harming any living things, including insects.
The festival begins with the Pratikraman ceremony, in which Jains confess their sins and vow not to commit them again. They also seek forgiveness from those they wronged.
The next eight days are spent in religious ceremonies. Jains visit temples, listen to sermons and read religious texts. They also fast and meditate.
The last day of the festival is called Samvatsari. On this day, Jains vow to follow the principles of Jainism in the coming year. They also visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings from Tirthankars.
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Source: vcmp.edu.vn