Paryushana Begins

Jain

Also known as: Paryushana Parva Begins, Paryushan Begins, Das Lakshana Parva Begins

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2026 Jain Date

Paryushana Begins

About Paryushana Begins

Paryushana is the most important annual festival in Jainism, observed for eight days during the monsoon season (August–September). The word 'Paryushana' means 'coming together' or 'abiding together,' signifying a time when the Jain community gathers to deepen their spiritual practice. It is a period of intense self-purification, reflection, and the practice of the ten virtues (Das Lakshana).

During these eight days, Jains observe strict fasting — some for the entire period — engage in meditation, study the scriptures, and practise the ten virtues: Kshama (forgiveness), Mardava (humility), Arjava (straightforwardness), Satya (truth), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Tyaga (renunciation), Aparigraha (non-attachment), Brahmacharya (continence), and Ahimsa (non-violence). Each day is traditionally dedicated to the contemplation of one particular virtue. The festival culminates in a day of seeking and granting forgiveness (Micchami Dukkadam), which is considered essential for spiritual progress.

In the Digambara sect, Paryushana is observed for eight days, while in the Shvetambara sect, it is observed for eight or ten days (known as Das Lakshana). The practices include fasting, meditation, charity, confession of sins through pratikramana, and seeking forgiveness from all beings. The festival is a deeply moving process of spiritual renewal that transforms the hearts of those who participate with sincerity.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Paryushana is observed with strict fasting, meditation, scripture study, and the practice of the ten virtues, culminating in the forgiveness ceremony.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Observe upvas (complete fast) or ekashana (eating only once a day) for the eight days.
Engage in meditation and recitation of prayers and mantras throughout the day.
Study the Jain scriptures and reflect on the ten virtues (Das Lakshana).
Practice pratikramana — the ritual of confession and seeking forgiveness for sins committed knowingly or unknowingly.
On the final day, seek forgiveness from all beings by saying 'Micchami Dukkadam' (May all the evil that has been done be fruitless).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the Das Lakshana?

The Das Lakshana are ten virtues: forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, truth, contentment, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment, continence, and non-violence.

Q: Why is forgiveness central to Paryushana?

Jain philosophy teaches that anger, hatred, and ill-will generate negative karma. Forgiveness dissolves these karmic bonds and purifies the soul, making it essential for spiritual liberation.

Q: How is Paryushana observed differently by Digambara and Shvetambara?

Digambara Jains observe Paryushana for eight days, while Shvetambara Jains observe it for eight or ten days, calling the ten-day observance 'Das Lakshana.'

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.