Paryushan is one of the most important religious festivals in Jainism, primarily observed by the Śvētāmbara sect of Jains. The festival usually lasts for 8 days and is a time of intense spiritual reflection and penance. The word "Paryushan" means "abiding" or "coming together," and the festival emphasizes self-discipline, fasting, and forgiveness.

The Jain community like other communities throughout the world celebrates many social and religious functions annually. The superb Jain festival popularly known as ‘Paryushan Parva’ organized every year in the auspicious month ‘Bhadrapad’ (Mid-August to Mid-September) of the Hindu calendar extends from the fifth day to fourteenth day of the bright fortnight. The festival ordains the Jains to observe the ten universal supreme virtues in daily practical life.

Key Aspects of Paryushan:

  1. Duration: It typically lasts for 8 days, though the Digambara sect observes it for 10 days under the name "Das Lakshana."

  2. Fasting: Many Jains observe fasts during Paryushan, ranging from skipping certain meals to complete fasting (not consuming food or water) for the entire period.

  3. Spiritual Activities: Jains engage in prayers, meditations, reading of scriptures, and attending religious discourses. The Kalpa Sūtra, which contains the biographies of the Tirthankaras, is often recited during this time.

  4. Pratikraman: This is a ritual performed daily during Paryushan to reflect on past actions and seek forgiveness for any wrongdoing.

  5. Forgiveness: The last day of Paryushan is particularly significant as it is observed as Samvatsari, the day of universal forgiveness. Jains ask for forgiveness from others for any harm caused, intentionally or unintentionally, by saying "Micchami Dukkadam," meaning "May all the evil that has been done be fruitless."

Paryushan Parva I bow to the Arahants, the perfected human beings.

That's a beautiful and respectful invocation. The phrase you're referring to is a common sentiment among Jains during Paryushan, where they express reverence to the Arahants, or perfected beings who have achieved spiritual enlightenment. This gesture of respect and humility is an important aspect of the festival, as it reflects a deep admiration for the spiritual accomplishments and teachings of the Tirthankaras and other enlightened beings in Jainism.
I bow to the Siddhas, liberated bodiless souls.

  • I bow to the Acharyas, the masters and heads of congregations.
  • I bow to the Upadhyayas, the spiritual teachers.
  • I bow to the spiritual practitioners in the universe, Sadhus.
  • This fivefold obeisance mantra,
  • Destroys all sins and obstacles,
  • And of all auspicious repetitions,
  • Is the first and foremost.















Besides assuring a blissful existence in this world and the other world for every living being, it aims at the attainment of salvation - the supreme ideal for mundane soul. The non-Jains also express high reverence for this Jain festival.

All members of the Jain community- high and low, young and old, and males and females, participate with full vigor and zeal in the various religious rituals and cultural programs. They listened with rapt attention to the holy sermons of the saints and learned Jain scholars arranged during the ten-day festival.

In these celebrations lie dormant the seeds of the well-being, peace, and happiness of the common man. On the eve of this festival all activities, which add to social discord or bitterness are declared taboo from the temple pulpits. These celebrations harbinger social harmony and amity and preach the lofty Jain motto ‘Live and Let live’.

Paryushan Videos





Forthcoming Festivals