Jain Events, Holidays and their Festivals

Jain Festivals and Celebrations: The Importance of Paryushan Parva, Mahavir Jayanti, and Other Jain RemarksJainism is one of the oldest religions in the world that is based on non-violence (ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (asteya), chastity (brahmacharya) and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). These principles are portrayed through Jain festivals and celebrations which possess a rich cultural background full of deep spiritual meanings, austere practices, and enthusiastic participation by the entire community. Some of these festivals include Paryushan Parva, and Mahavir Jayanti among others.

Paryushan Parva: The Festival of Forgiveness and Self-DisciplineParyushan Parva is known as the most important festival in Jainism which is characterized by deep thoughts, purification of oneself, and renewing one’s spirituality. Every year its celebration takes eight days for Shwetambar Jains while for Digambar Jains it goes on for ten days.

Significance:Paryushan, which means “to stay closer,” is meant to bring Jains close to their real selves and the teachings of Tirthankaras, the spiritual winners of Jainism. This period includes intense spiritual practices such as fasting, meditation, prayer, and scriptural study. This is aimed at purifying karmas that have been accumulated within the soul and developing qualities like forgiveness, humbleness, and compassion.

Rituals and Practices:Fasting (Upavasa): Some Jains fast for one day during Paryushan while others go on fasting for the whole period. The fast can be complete (without food or drink) or partial (limited intake of food).

  1. Pratikraman: This ritual involves confessing sins committed knowingly or unknowingly. It entails detailed prayers and meditations to ask for forgiveness and also forgive others.
  2. Scriptural Reading and Lectures: One of the most important parts of Paryushan is the daily reading of Jain scriptures like Kalpasutra which speaks about lives as well as teachings of Tirthankaras.
  3. Samvatsari: Samvatsari is referred to as the final day of Paryushan through which Jains seek as well receive pardon. To each other, they say “Micchami Dukkadam” meaning “May all the evil that has been done become useless”.



Celebrating the Birth of a Spiritual Hero: Mahavir JayantiThe festival marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, who is considered the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism in contemporary times. In 599 BCE, Mahavira was born and with his exceptional way of living detached from worldly things by giving up all his possessions.

Importance:Jainism is based on the principles taught by Mahavira. Jains are encouraged to live compassionately and disciplinedly by his teachings making this day one of great devotion and happiness.

Rituals and Celebrations:Processions (Rath Yatra): Many processions featuring statues of Mahavira decorated with flowers along with music and hymns are carried out.

Temple Visits: Jains observe rituals, pray in temples, and listen to sermons about the life and philosophy of Mahavira.

Charity and Community Service: On this day people often engage in acts such as feeding the poor, and providing clothing or other needs for them.

Fasting and Meditation: Numerous Jains spend their time fasting while others meditate upon virtues illustrated by Mahavira through prayers throughout this day.


Other Important Jain Statements:In addition to Paryushan Parva and Mahavir Jayanti, there are other festivals and observances of great significance in Jainism: each one with its unique practices and spiritual focus.

Diwali: It is popularly known as the Festival of Lights which holds a special place in the hearts of Jains because it commemorates the anniversary of Lord Mahavira’s freedom from karmic attachments (moksha) in 527 BCE. To represent the light of knowledge and ignorance being wiped away, lamps are lit by Jains.

Kartik Purnima: Celebrated on the full moon day of Kartik month, this festival signifies when Gautam Swami chief disciple of Lord Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). Pilgrimages to sacred sites, fasting, and religious ceremonies are common.

Ayambil Oli: This occasion occurs twice a year during the Chaitra and Ashwin months. It lasts for nine days when the simple boiled food without spices, oil, or salt is eaten by Jains to foster self-discipline and serious reflection for spiritual development.

Mauna Agyaras: Observed on the 11th day of the bright half in Margashirsha month, this day involves practicing complete silence (maun=complete silence) while fasting. It increases inner peace and spirituality.

Jain festivals and celebrations are profound expressions of faith, devotion, and adherence to basic principles of the religion. In this sense, they allow Jains to affirm their commitment to nonviolence, truthfulness and self-denial as well as build a collective spiritual life within. Especially Paryushan Parva and Mahavir Jayanti display intense religious significance along with exacting practices. Jainism hopes that through such acts of soul purification, seeking pardon and lobbying for virtues will result in a peaceful liberated existence.


Important Jain Concepts Dravya, Pramana, Soul, and Karma

Jainism, one of the oldest religions that began in ancient India, gives deep insights about existence, ethics and spirituality. Fundamental ideas of Jain philosophy include Dravya (substance), Pramana (valid knowledge), Soul (Jiva) and Karma (action and its consequences). This inclusive examination will look into each of these pivotal concepts in Jain religion by clarifying their meanings, importance as well as implications for personal transformation and spiritual growth.

Dravya: The Essence of Existence In Jainism, Dravya signifies the basic substances or categories of reality that make up the universe. According to Jain philosophy, there are six eternal substances which never change; they are known as Dravyas:

  • Jiva (Soul): The sentient conscious being that has individual consciousness and undergoes birth, death, rebirth (samsara).
  • Ajiva (Non-living): The non-sentient inactive entities that exist together with souls but serve as their backdrop in order to make them experience life. Ajive is inclusive of matter (Pudgala), space(Akasha), time(Kala) and motion(Dharma).
  • Pudgala (Matter): Pudgala is a physical world’s material substance made up of atoms, molecules and all solid objects that one can touch. Pudgala has attributes which include; color, taste, smell and touch.
  • Akasha (Space): The space without boundaries between objects in the universe. Akasha enables matter and souls to exist or move about.
  • Kala (Time): Time is an everlasting dimension that never changes and determines the order of events as they happen in life. Time is a continuous flow with moments like past, present and future.
  • Dharma (Motion): Dharma refers to a natural impulse or force that causes objects or entities to move within the universe, interacting with each other. It makes reality dynamic by ensuring a constant change of existence.
  • To understand Jainism worldview it is important to comprehend Dravya– its essence lies in seeing everything around as interconnected whole that cannot be separated from one another. By understanding how Dravyas are interconnected Jains learn to acknowledge the sacredness of existence and reduce violence in their relationships with the world.

भारत के सबसे प्रसिद्ध मंदिरों में से एक मुक्तेश्वर मंदिर भी आता है जो भारत के उत्तराखंड राज्य में स्थित है।

मुक्तेश्वर मंदिर इस दुनिया के निर्माता भगवान शिव को समर्पित है। यह मंदिर मुक्तेश्वर में सबसे ऊंचे स्थान पर स्थित है। 

Missionaries role in Christianity reviewed.

Since the commencement of Christianity till today, missionaries and evangelists have been instrumental in disseminating the gospel and establishing Christian communities around the globe. These efforts have shaped history and touched societies, cultures and persons across all continents. In this in-depth article, we will be exploring origin of missionary work among Christians, why these people do it, how they go about it and what stands as a result of their struggle for world Christianity.

Christian Missionary Work from Origin:Accountability for Christian mission can be traced back to the life of Jesus Christ through his teachings that made his disciples to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). One can observe that right after the crucifixion plus resurrection experiences by Jesus’ followers, they began spreading gospel messages initially within Jerusalem before extending them to Romans then farther ahead into various nations.The first Christian missionaries like Paul and his colleagues traveled long distances to preach salvation message, establish congregations, traineeships and nurture new converts. They laid a foundation upon which Christianity expanded into other cultural context beyond its Jewish roots.

Motivations of Christian Missionaries:Several things motivate Christian missionaries. They include:Faith and Obedience: Missionaries often feel obedient to Christ’s command of making disciples or Christians, to whom He had given Himself as a ransom for all. To them, this is not just doing any work but a calling and an integral facet of their identity as Christians.Compassion and Love: Many missionaries are also driven by compassion for the needy and pain relieving motives. Alongside preaching, they engage in humanitarian activities; they give medical care, education, social services and they help people in practical ways who are suffering from poverty, injustice, oppression among others.Cross-Cultural Engagement: The fact that these people belong to different nations with diverse cultures and languages makes it a pull factor to many missionaries. They aim at narrowing the gap between the cultures that would be built up on relationships that would foster understanding and respect.Transformational Impact: Many missionaries have a strong desire to bring change in individuals’ lives as well as communities. This is because they believe in gospel overcoming division among people; it restores healthiness into them leading towards hope of redemption complete transformation of life.

Researching Christianity through DharamGyaan's In-Depth Look at Divine Parts

Guru Guidance: Spiritual Wisdom to Understand Christian Teaching Use guru guidance to navigate Christian teachings with spiritual wisdom. DharamGyaan's articles provide insights into the role of spiritual guides and mentors, offering guidance on understanding Christian principles and deepening your connection with divine teachings.