📅 Festival Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Paryushana Parvarambha |
| Date | 9 September 2026 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Calendar | Jain Calendar |
| Observed By | Shwetambar & Digambar Jains |
| Duration | 8 days (Shwetambar), 10 days (Digambar) |
| Core Values | Ahimsa, Tapasya, Kshama |
| Main Focus | Self-purification & forgiveness |
🕉️ What is Paryushana Parvarambha?
Paryushana Parvarambha marks the beginning of Paryushana Parva, the most sacred period in Jainism.
The word Paryushana means:
- Pari – all around
- Ushana – to burn or purify
Together, it signifies burning away karmas through:
- Fasting
- Meditation
- Self-restraint
- Repentance
This period is dedicated to inner awakening and spiritual discipline.
🌼 Spiritual & Religious Significance
Paryushana is the time when Jains:
- Reflect on past actions
- Control senses and desires
- Practice non-violence (Ahimsa)
- Seek forgiveness from all living beings
It is believed that karmic bondage weakens during this period when austerities are performed sincerely.
🧘 Daily Practices During Paryushana
📿 Core Observances
- Samayik (meditation & equanimity)
- Pratikraman (repentance & self-review)
- Swadhyaya (scriptural study)
- Tapasya (fasting & penance)
📖 Important Texts
- Kalpa Sutra (Shwetambar tradition)
- Tattvartha Sutra (Digambar tradition)
🍽️ Fasting Rules & Tapasya
Jains observe varying levels of fasting:
| Type of Fast | Description |
|---|---|
| Ekasana | One meal a day |
| Upvas | Complete fast |
| Atthai | 8-day continuous fast |
| Bela | Alternate-day fasting |
Food is:
- Simple and non-violent
- Free from root vegetables
- Consumed before sunset (for those who eat)
🕊️ Ahimsa & Forgiveness Philosophy
The heart of Paryushana lies in:
- Forgiving others
- Asking forgiveness
The famous Jain prayer:
“Micchami Dukkadam”
(May all my faults be forgiven)
This practice cleanses mental, verbal, and emotional karmas.
🌍 Paryushana in Shwetambar vs Digambar Traditions
| Aspect | Shwetambar | Digambar |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
| Final Day | Samvatsari | Anant Chaturdashi |
| Text Focus | Kalpa Sutra | Tattvartha Sutra |
🧠 Spiritual Benefits of Paryushana
- Reduction of karmic burden
- Increased self-discipline
- Emotional purification
- Strengthening compassion & humility
- Inner peace and clarity
❓ Short FAQ – Paryushana Parvarambha
Q1. When does Paryushana begin in 2026?
Paryushana Parvarambha begins on 9 September 2026 (Wednesday).
Q2. Who observes Paryushana?
Both Shwetambar and Digambar Jains observe it.
Q3. Is fasting compulsory?
Fasting is encouraged but should be according to one’s physical capacity.
Q4. What is the meaning of Micchami Dukkadam?
It means asking forgiveness for knowingly or unknowingly committed mistakes.
Panchang Official