While the Shvetambara sect observes Paryushan for eight days, the Digambara sect celebrates Das Lakshana Parva for ten days. This festival is a scientific and spiritual journey into the ten fundamental attributes of the soul. In 2026, this sacred period will be observed from September 16 to September 25.
1. The Philosophy of the Ten Virtues
Das Lakshana is not just a ritual; it is a "Karmic Detox." Each day is dedicated to a specific virtue (Dharma) that counters a specific negative trait of human nature. By practicing these, the seeker moves from the external world to the internal self.
2. Deep Dive into the Ten Supreme Virtues (Uttam Dharma)
Day 1: Uttam Kshama (Supreme Forgiveness)
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The Focus: Eliminating anger.
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The Meaning: Forgiveness is the strength of the brave. It involves not just forgiving those who hurt us, but also seeking forgiveness for our own mistakes.
Day 2: Uttam Mardav (Supreme Humility)
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The Focus: Eliminating pride and ego.
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The Meaning: Realizing that status, wealth, and beauty are temporary. True humility is seeing the divine in every living soul.
Day 3: Uttam Arjav (Supreme Straightforwardness)
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The Focus: Eliminating deceit and hypocrisy.
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The Meaning: Ensuring that what we think, what we say, and what we do are perfectly aligned.
Day 4: Uttam Shauch (Supreme Contentment/Purity)
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The Focus: Eliminating greed.
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The Meaning: Inner purity comes when we stop craving material possessions. It is the practice of being satisfied with what we have.
Day 5: Uttam Satya (Supreme Truth)
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The Focus: Eliminating falsehood.
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The Meaning: Truth is not just about facts; it is about speaking words that are beneficial and non-violent.
Day 6: Uttam Sanyam (Supreme Self-Restraint)
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The Focus: Eliminating lack of discipline.
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The Meaning: Controlling the five senses and protecting all life forms (Jiva-Daya).
Day 7: Uttam Tap (Supreme Penance)
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The Focus: Eliminating desires.
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The Meaning: Using meditation and fasting to "burn" the accumulated karmas of the soul.
Day 8: Uttam Tyag (Supreme Renunciation)
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The Focus: Eliminating attachment.
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The Meaning: True charity is not just giving money; it is the renunciation of the "I" and "Mine" mentality.
Day 9: Uttam Akinchanya (Supreme Non-Possessiveness)
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The Focus: Eliminating the illusion of ownership.
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The Meaning: Realizing that the soul is the only thing we truly possess. Everything else is borrowed.
Day 10: Uttam Brahmacharya (Supreme Celibacy)
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The Focus: Eliminating lust and external distractions.
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The Meaning: "Brahma" (Soul) + "Charya" (to dwell). It means dwelling within your own soul and maintaining the purity of thought.
3. Ultimate Rituals of Das Lakshana
To make the observance complete, practitioners engage in:
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Jinendra Pujan: Elaborate morning prayers where the ten virtues are invoked through symbolic offerings.
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Shastra Swadhyaya: Reading and discussing the Tattvartha Sutra, which defines these ten virtues in detail.
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Anant Chaturdashi: The 10th day is particularly grand, celebrating the infinite knowledge of the Tirthankaras.
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Sugandh Dashami: Observed on the 10th day, where incense is burnt in temples to symbolize the burning of karmas and the spreading of the "fragrance" of virtue.
4. The Humanized Essence: Why it matters today
In a modern world filled with stress, competition, and consumerism, Das Lakshana offers a structured 10-day retreat for the mind.
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Day 1-3 cleanses your social behavior (anger, pride, deceit).
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Day 4-6 cleanses your internal desires (greed, lies, indiscipline).
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Day 7-10 cleanses your spiritual path (attachment and ego).
5. Summary for 2026 Preparations
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Dates: Sept 16 – Sept 25, 2026.
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Key Mantra: "Dhamma mangalam ukkittam" – Religion is the highest bliss.
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Final Day: Kshamavani (September 26, 2026), the day to say "Micchami Dukkadam" to all, officially closing the festival with a clean heart.
पर्युषण पर्व के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें