Paryushana
Paryushana is an annual holy event in Jainism and is usually celebrated in August, September, or October in the Hindi calendar month of Bhadrapad's Shukla Paksha. Jains increase their level of spiritual intensity, often using fasting and prayer/meditation to help. The five main vows are emphasized during this time. There are no set rules, and followers are encouraged to practice according to their abilities and desires. The event lasts for 8 days and ends with the celebration of Samvatsari.
Meaning
The word "Paryushana" means "abiding and coming together". It is a time when the Jains take on vows of study and fasting.Observances
Śvētāmbara Jains observe Paryushana for eight days and Digambara Jains observe it for ten days. Almost all Jains see participation in Paryushana as a duty.Sermons
During the first three days, sermons are based on the Paryushana Stahnika Vyakhyana, explaining the duties of Paryushana and annual duties. Explanations draw on stories of exemplary figures in Jain history.The five duties of Paryushana are not killing, affection for fellow Jains, statement of annulling faults in the past year, a three-day fast, and pilgrimage.
Starting on the fourth day, Śvētāmbara Murtipujakas recite the Kalpa Sūtra, which includes a recitation of the section on the birth of Mahavira on the fifth day. Some Śvētāmbaras recite the Antagada Sutra, which details the life of 90 great men and women who attained moksha during the eras of the 22nd Tirthankar Neminatha and 24th Tirthankar Mahavira.
Fasting
During Paryushana, Jains observe a fast. The span of the fast can last from a day to 30 days or more. In Śvētāmbara sect, śrāvakas fast by having only boiled water that may be consumed between sunrise and sunset.Requesting forgiveness
At the conclusion of the festival, śrāvakas request each other for forgiveness for all offenses committed during the last year. Forgiveness is asked by saying "Micchami Dukkadam" or "Uttam Kshama" to each other. This translates to: "If I have caused you offence in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought word or deed, then I seek your forgiveness".Date
The date for Paryushana is Bhadra shukla panchami. For this duration, Paryushana must be initiated by panchami of the shukla paksha phase of Bhadra. The last day is called Samvatsari, short for Samvatsari Pratikramana. Due to computational and other differences, there can be some minor differences among various sects. It comes at the time when the wandering monks take up temporary residence for the monsoon period or "cāturmāsa". Because at this time the monks have settled in the town for a longer duration, it is time for the householders to have an annual renewal of the faith by listening to the statement of the Dharma and through meditation and vratas. Śvētāmbara celebrate an eight-day festival that ends with Bhadrapada shukla chaturthi.It is believed that the devas do an eight-part puja of the tirthankaras, which takes eight days. Śvētāmbara Jains celebrate this period as Paryushana.