This Paryushan 🪷
I find myself missing Shankheshwar, the temples, the quiet, the feeling of standing before something that felt so much greater than myself. As Paryushan peeks around the corner I wanted to understand the importance of Paryushan to us Jains.
What is Jainism
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion focused on spiritual purity, enlightenment and liberation (moksha) through non-violence (ahimsa) towards all living beings, self-discipline, and asceticism.
“Jainism is a feeling, it is an experience by the soul, for the soul, and in the soul”- Bapa (Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji)
In this article I want to explore what is Paryushan as well as the core beliefs and values we should bring. I will not lie and say I know it all or that I am super religious, this is from my research and curiosity, enjoy!
🪷The Navkar Mantra
Navkar Mantra, for Jains this is the most sacred and fundamental prayer.
The Mantra does not worship any specific God by name, it offers, respect to five categories of spiritually elavated souls known as the Panch Parameshthi (five supreme beings).
Namo Arihantanam- “I bow to the Arihants.”- An Arihant is a soul that has destroyed the four destructive karmas and attained Kevala Jnana (perfect knowledge) while still embodied.
Namo Siddhanam-“I bow to the Siddhas.”- A Siddha is a liberated soul.
Namo Ayariyanam- “I bow to the Acharyas.”- An Acharya is a spiritual leader who guides the Jain monastic community and upholds the discipline and teachings.
Namo Uvajjhayanam-“I bow to the Upadhyayas.”- An Upadhyaya is a teacher/scholar of Jain scriptures and doctrine.
Namo Loe Savva Sahunam-“I bow to all Sadhus and Sadhvis.”- This means all Jain monks and nuns who sincerely follow the path of spiritual discipline.
Eso Pancha Namokkaro- The mantra continues by saying that these fivefold salutations lessen sins or karmic obstacles and are the highest form of auspiciousness.
What is Paryushan?
For many Paryushan is the time where we fast, we pray, and we try to purify our souls as well as ask for forgiveness from all jivas (all living beings).
So what does it actually mean? The word is connected to ideas of coming closer, staying, turning inwards & self introspection.
Instead of: “What materialistic things do I desire?”, we start asking: “Who am I beneath all my attachments, anger, ego, pride and achievements?”
It is not about who fasted more, or who did the most pujas. It is simply about bhav (pure intention), and the right spiritual attitude.
The rituals we do
I've always wondered why do we do puja, that too, there are two types that I know of, Kesar (Saffron) Puja & Vaskhep (Sandalwood powder) Puja.
The beautiful meaning behind these puja's
Kesar pooja:
Kesar is: pure, fragrant, precious, & bright.
When we offer kesar, we’re symbolically offering: our ego, our pride, our impurities.
The bright color reminds us of right faith (samyak darshan), clarity, warmth, devotion. It’s not about decorating the idol. It’s about coloring our own intentions.
Next, Vaskhep puja
Vaskhep is: cooling, soothing, grounding.
This puja represents: calmness over anger, humility over ego, peace over restlessness.
Sandalwood cools heat and Jainism sees anger, pride, deceit, and greed as inner heat.
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For many of us, we do puja as just another ritual; I noticed it myself, that its almost a mechanic process, if done without intention. You can do a puja perfectly, but if your intention is not there it is just another chore that you completed. Puja is bhav puja (inner feeling), not just dravya puja (physical act).
Jainism is basically saying: External action should awaken internal change. Your intention (bhav) matters more than the ritual (kriya).
Liberation comes from inner transformation, not external performance.
The day of forgiveness ( Samvatsari)
It’s the day when everything you’ve been cultivating during Paryushan comes together. You’ve spent days trying to reduce distractions. Now you turn completely toward: “What have I achieved during these seven days?”
Why is Samvatsari so important in Jainism
In Jain philosophy, the soul is naturally characterized by qualities such as infinite knowledge, perception, bliss and energy. But karmic matter becomes associated with the soul and obscures those qualities.
And what encourages karmic bondage? Our activities, especially when accompanied by passions and attachment.
Jain tradition has elaborate pratikraman practices that examine transgressions through mind, speech and body.
You are a jiva, a soul. And that soul’s nature is fundamentally different from all the temporary things you’re constantly chasing.
So Samvatsari becomes a day of saying:“Let me stop being completely absorbed in everything external and remember what I actually am.”
Michhami Dukkadam 🤍
You’ve probably heard people say: “Micchami Dukkadam.” Especially around Paryushan. But what are we actually saying?
Essentially michhami dukkadam means “If I have caused you harm, knowingly or unknowingly, through my thoughts, words, or actions, I sincerely ask for your forgiveness.” This does not mean that you are immediately forgiven for everything, the words are meant to represent an inner transformation. You first have to be willing to look at yourself:
Pratikraman → recognize the fault
Repentance → sincerely regret the harm
Kshama → seek/give forgiveness
Resolve → try not to repeat it
You don’t only ask others for forgiveness but reflect on your relationship with every living being, because Ahimsa( Non violence) is so central to Jainism.
And so….
Perhaps that is what I am hoping to take from this Paryushan.
Not simply more prayers, more rituals, or more days of fasting. But more awareness.
This Paryushan, I don’t want to simply do more. I want to understand more.
I want my puja to mean something when I perform it.
I want my prayers to change the way I live.
I want my forgiveness to be more than words.
I want my faith to exist not only inside the temple, but in the way I speak, think, act, forgive, and love every living being.
And perhaps, when Paryushan ends and the temple bells become quiet again, that is when the real work begins.
I am very blessed and grateful to be a Jain 🤍
May our Paryushan be blessed.
Much love,
A ❤
